Best Quality of Life Grants in North Carolina

The San Diego Foundation

We enable donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

For 50 years, donors, nonprofits, communities, government and civic leaders have trusted San Diego Foundation to transform lives and have partnered with us for lasting change that moves our region forward.

As San Diego’s largest regional community foundation, it’s our job to understand the pulse of our local communities better than anyone, enabling donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

Community Scholarship Program

Since 1997, the Community Scholarship Program has awarded $59.5 million to more than 15,400 students, making our program the largest non-university scholarship provider in San Diego County. By offering financial assistance, the program helps students dedicate more time to their studies, stay enrolled and complete their degrees.

The Veronica Zerrer and Michelle Dungan Scholarship Fund

The Veronica Zerrer and Michelle Dungan Scholarship Fund applicants should:

• Have resided in San Diego County for at least one year
• Plan to enroll full-time at a four-year university, graduate school, community college, or career/technical school in the United States
• Have an unweighted GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
• Have a demonstrated financial need
• Open to all San Diego County applicants, with an effort to reduce educational disparities for those who have faced barriers related to sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

The FWW Fellowship Award supports emerging physicians and scientists dedicated to advancing women’s health research. Awardees, pursuing MD or PhD programs at U.S. institutions, explore critical health topics such as cardiovascular disease, leading female cancers, and the role of hormones. This initiative encourages diverse applicants and promotes innovative proposals that address health concerns disproportionately affecting women. With a commitment to fostering research excellence, the FWW Fellowship Award empowers the next generation of health leaders.

Our Mission

The Mission of the Environmental Education Foundation is to award educational scholarships and grants to area students and schools for environmental-centered studies and to promote environmental awareness to all ages of the Geneva Lake area.

Thomas E. Reynolds (TER) Foundation Scholarship

The scholarship was established to support the college education of students who are pursing a career goal related to the conservation or protection of the environment.​ Financial need will be considered if all other criteria are met.

Annual renewal requires that the student stay in touch with the EEF, provide term grade point averages, any change in his/her college program or professional goals, and maintain a 3.0 grade point average while actively working toward an appropriate degree.

York County Community Foundation

York County Community Foundation was founded in 1961 by generous visionaries who saw an opportunity to perpetually support their community by pooling charitable giving, investing it to grow over time and make grants to charity from the earnings on the pooled fund. It wasn’t until 1991 that the Community Foundation made a real push to build its assets so that it could become the kind of leading organization it is today. Donors are the crux of our existence; they are the reason we have been so successful over the years. Today, thanks to encouragement from many community leaders, we have enhanced our mission to include being a community leader and changemaker by working with community stakeholders to leverage our grantmaking and expertise for powerful community improvement.

Field of Study Scholarships

Through the Community Foundation, our donors have established scholarship funds focused on a specific field of study. Each scholarship expresses our donors' deep commitment to helping York County students achieve their educational goals.

Tom Adams, Jo Hunger, George Lamotte Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was created for York County students studying to become a dentist, a dental specialist, or a dental hygienist.

The EEF High School Graduate Scholarship, offered by the Environmental Education Foundation, supports students from the Geneva Lake area pursuing environmentally-focused college degrees. Applicants must demonstrate a passion for conservation, have a solid high school record, and plan to attend an accredited four-year college. Financial need is considered alongside the fulfillment of other criteria. This scholarship encourages students to continue seeking additional funding for their education.

The Generation of Environmental Leaders Program (GELP) invites youth aged 18-35 from Canada, Mexico, and the United States to propose innovative solutions to environmental challenges. This initiative not only empowers young leaders through mentorship and networking but also provides seed funding to support impactful projects. By encouraging collaboration and sustainable practices, GELP aims to foster long-term benefits for communities and the environment, ultimately preserving shared natural resources.

The C.B. Eller Teacher Grants support Wilkes County educators by funding professional development opportunities up to $1,500. Established in 1987, these grants aim to enhance classroom effectiveness through various educational experiences, including training and specialized projects. Eligible applicants include full or part-time teachers directly interacting with students, while funds cannot support salary or graduate studies. Priority is given to proposals demonstrating student impact and professional growth.

The Health Foundation's Challenge Grants aim to enhance health and well-being in Wilkes County, North Carolina, by promoting community-driven solutions that tackle health equity and social determinants of health. These grants support organizations in developing sustainable fundraising programs to meet identified healthcare needs. Eligible applicants include non-profits and governmental entities, while funding is not available for religiously affiliated services. The program encourages innovative approaches to health improvement in the local community.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds.

• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Christine Balch Memorial Scholarship Fund

Supporting Hampden County residents attending medical school

The Chaim Schwartz Foundation Grant supports initiatives that preserve and enrich Yiddish language, culture, theater, and art. Established in memory of Sandra Schwartz Tangri, the foundation aims to continue the rich social justice heritage of Yiddishkeit. Proposals can be project-specific or for general support, with grant amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000, and the application process is designed to be straightforward for non-profit organizations.

The Researcher–Practitioner Collaboration Grant, offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation, supports collaborations between researchers and practitioners focused on improving services for individuals with communication disorders. Grants of $35,000 are available for studies that address clinical problems and enhance evidence-based practices. This funding opportunity encourages partnerships aimed at translating research into practical applications, thereby fostering innovative solutions in communication sciences and disorders within healthcare and educational settings.

The New Century Scholars Research Grant, offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation, provides up to four grants of $25,000 each to support innovative research in communication sciences and disorders. This funding opportunity encourages both experienced and new investigators to explore novel ideas and methodologies, including artificial intelligence applications. Researchers must demonstrate potential for independent research, with a focus on significant contributions to the field. Applications are due after completing an Intent to Submit Form by March 5.

The Dr. Anita L. Pinc Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, provides financial assistance up to $1,000 to female students pursuing a medical degree in the U.S. Applicants must be enrolled in a medical school and have ties to Scott County, Iowa, or Rock Island County, Illinois. This renewable scholarship supports students committed to practicing medicine in the Quad Cities region, helping to foster local healthcare professionals.

The New Investigators Research Grant, offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation, supports emerging researchers by funding preliminary studies with a clinical focus in audiology and speech-language pathology. Proposals that incorporate Artificial Intelligence technologies for assessment and treatment are encouraged. Grants of $10,000 are available for one-year projects, fostering innovation and research in communication sciences. Eligible investigators must have completed their doctoral degree within the last five years and must not have received prior external funding.

The Speech Science Research Grant, offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation, supports new investigators conducting research in speech science. A $10,000 grant will be awarded to eligible researchers, who must have completed their PhD within the last five years. The funding can be utilized for various research-related expenses, fostering innovative studies and honoring the legacy of researcher Dennis Klatt. The next application cycle will be in 2026.

The AUA Boston Scientific Medical Student Innovation Fellowship, funded by the American Urological Association, aims to nurture future urologic researchers. This fellowship offers a $20,000 stipend for a 12-month research project, engaging medical students in innovative urology research under expert mentorship. The initiative addresses the pressing need for skilled professionals in the urologic research field, ensuring a robust pipeline of talent dedicated to advancing patient care and scientific discovery in urology.

The Wm. Wrigley's Foundation Scholarship, offered by the United Negro College Fund, supports undergraduate students enrolled in UNCF member schools for the 2025-2026 academic year. This scholarship provides up to $5,000 based on verified financial need. Eligible candidates must be majoring in specific fields such as engineering, business, or computer science, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. This initiative reinforces the commitment to enhancing minority education and fostering future leaders.

The UNCF General Scholarship, offered by the United Negro College Fund, provides essential financial support to students enrolled full-time at one of 37 UNCF Member Institutions for the 2024-2025 academic year. This scholarship aims to enhance access to higher education for minority students, helping them thrive and graduate. The application process is designed to create a pool of eligible candidates for various scholarship opportunities, emphasizing the importance of education and community engagement.

The Forsyth County Teacher Grants provide up to $2,500 to educators in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools for professional development and innovative classroom projects. These grants support initiatives that positively impact students and enhance teaching practices. Eligible applicants include teachers, guidance counselors, and media coordinators who demonstrate a commitment to enriching educational experiences. Priority is given to projects that improve student outcomes and promote professional growth.

The Delano & Aldrich/Emerson Fellowship, established by the Architects Foundation, provides a unique opportunity for a young French architect to travel and study in the U.S. for three months. With a budget of $20,000, the fellowship emphasizes contemporary issues in architecture, including sustainability and inclusive design. Candidates aged 23 to 35, holding a degree in architecture, are eligible. This program aims to foster cross-cultural understanding and inspire future architects through immersive experiences.

The Strategic Initiative Grants: BPI Advancing Equity in Education program by the Winston-Salem Foundation aims to tackle systemic inequities in education that affect Black and brown communities. By supporting programs that ensure equitable access to resources, it prioritizes initiatives designed by and for Black students. This grant program invites proposals that focus on improving educational experiences, including remote learning access and implicit bias training for educators, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

The Renee Starks Steed Memorial Scholarship, offered by the United Negro College Fund, supports HBCU students majoring in fashion-related fields. Aimed at sophomores, juniors, and seniors, it emphasizes academic excellence with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This need-based scholarship fosters diversity, prioritizing students of color, and is part of UNCF's broader mission to enhance educational opportunities for underrepresented communities. Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are now open.

The Pelvic Health Research Grant, offered by the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, aims to enhance the health and movement of society through innovative research in physical therapy. With a commitment to addressing health disparities and supporting emerging researchers, this grant provides $40,000 over one or two years. It underscores the foundation's mission to optimize movement and improve health outcomes while fostering a robust pipeline of skilled researchers dedicated to evidence-based practices.

Grassroots Voices, led by Vital Voices Global Partnership Inc, empowers young women aged 18-25 in the U.S. engaged in grassroots justice work. This program offers a unique opportunity to join a supportive cohort, travel to Washington, D.C., and engage with influential women leaders. Participants will enhance their skills and amplify their impact on critical issues like social inequity and reproductive justice, fostering a community of changemakers dedicated to transforming their lives and the world.

The Animal Food Regulatory Program Standards Implementation Development and Maintenance initiative aims to enhance the national animal food safety system. This funding opportunity supports state regulatory programs in achieving and sustaining the Animal Food Regulatory Program Standards (AFRPS) within five years. By fostering collaboration with the FDA and standardizing regulatory processes, this initiative seeks to improve food safety, promote compliance, and mitigate foodborne illnesses, ultimately creating a more integrated food safety framework.

The Pat Ostrander 4-Star Collection Quartet Scholarship, established by Sweet Adelines International, offers $1,600 to two quartets to attend the 2026 A Cappella Academy or the Sweet Adelines International Convention. To qualify, quartet members must be active Sweet Adelines members and submit three recommendations, demonstrating their commitment. This initiative celebrates barbershop harmony and empowers quartets to enhance their skills through structured educational events, fostering a vibrant community of singers.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship is an esteemed, achievement-based scholarship aimed at high school seniors committed to leadership and community service. Annually, 150 scholars receive $20,000 to support their college education. Since its inception, the program has awarded over $87 million in educational funding to more than 7,000 students. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, planning to attend an accredited college, and demonstrate strong community leadership and service.