Best Quality of Life Grants in North Carolina

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. Scholarship award amounts range from $1,000 - $5,000 for a single year.

GIAR Grandmother’s First-Generation Scholarship

This scholarship is established in the memory and honor of Gramie Georgina, Grandma Isabella, Grandmother Ann, and Grannie Ruth, all first-generation women who were never able to attend college. This scholarship is only accepting renewal applications for 2026.

Helps First-Generation Young Women living in Nevada or Hawaii.

The scholarship funds the undergraduate or graduate college education of first-generation young women of Portuguese, Mexican, Central American or South American ancestry, under the age of 25. The term first-generation is defined here as a young woman who has immigrated to the United States of America and become a naturalized citizen or the daughter of an immigrant of Portuguese, Mexican, Central American and South American Ancestry. The student must be a resident of Nevada or Hawaii.

This scholarship is a one-time award of up to $5,000 based on need (which will be verified through your attached FAFSA and Financial Aid documents). One scholarship may be awarded to cover the full cost of attendance at UNR (up to $25,000), also based on need. All awards have the potential to be renewed with reapplication.

About Community Foundation of South Alabama

Since its inception, the Community Foundation has grown to over 500 funds and awarded over $98 million in grants and scholarships throughout the eight counties of southwest Alabama, improving the lives of many residents in our corner of the world.

We amplify the gifts from generous donors through wise investment, support others in efforts to enhance our community, and lead and collaborate on initiatives which have a broad impact.

Scholarships

The more than 40 scholarship funds at the Foundation were created by generous donors who wanted to help the students in our community achieve a brighter future. We are committed to assisting the most promising students with scholarships for professional certificate programs, two and four-year undergraduate degrees and graduate school. The scholarship funds at the Foundation award grants to high school, community college and university students to be used for tuition, books, and fees.

Poarch Creek Indian Community Scholarship Fund

Annually, the Poarch Creek Indian Community Scholarship Fund will award a minimum of one scholarship to a male student and one to a female student. Applicants must be a resident of the State of Alabama or one of the following counties in Florida: Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington or Gadsden. Academic merit, community involvement, and other factors such as financial need and/or workforce demand, will be taken into consideration when reviewing applications

About Community Foundation of South Alabama

Since its inception, the Community Foundation has grown to over 500 funds and awarded over $98 million in grants and scholarships throughout the eight counties of southwest Alabama, improving the lives of many residents in our corner of the world.

We amplify the gifts from generous donors through wise investment, support others in efforts to enhance our community, and lead and collaborate on initiatives which have a broad impact.

Scholarships

The more than 40 scholarship funds at the Foundation were created by generous donors who wanted to help the students in our community achieve a brighter future. We are committed to assisting the most promising students with scholarships for professional certificate programs, two and four-year undergraduate degrees and graduate school. The scholarship funds at the Foundation award grants to high school, community college and university students to be used for tuition, books, and fees.

Roland and Jean Fry Scholarship

For Mobile County Public High School senior who demonstrates financial need, has a good GPA and can attend any college.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Eugene J. Andolsek Memorial Scholarship

Eugene Andolsek was a gifted artist who used the medium of drawing to convey his struggles and insecurities, spending hours at the kitchen table with a compass, ruler, inks and graph paper creating intricate and complex pieces of art. Unable to pursue his education at a higher level due to family circumstances, Eugene felt he was denied the opportunity to reach his potential and be valued in life. Eugene was a quiet, frugal man who spent many years of his life creating pieces of art which on the surface communicate order and uniformity, whilst giving you a glimpse of the many complexities that must have existed in Eugene’s thoughts. Art was quite simply his escape. In 2005, when Eugene was 84 years of age, his work was featured in the exhibition ‘Obsessive Art’ at the American Folk Art Museum in New York, his work garnered much critical acclaim and proved to Eugene that despite being an untrained artist he was remarkably gifted and much sought after.

The Eugene J. Andolsek Memorial Scholarship is a lasting tribute to a man who valued education above most other things. From the proceeds of Eugene’s vast portfolio this memorial scholarship will enable a young student to continue their education in a way he was never able to. This scholarship has significant value and is renewable for up to 4 years of post secondary education.

Award Type: Multi-year (up to 4 years). Recipients must maintain 3.0 GPA.

The PLTW Gateway grant, funded by PPG Industries, aims to support schools in implementing PLTW Gateway programs for the 2025-2026 academic year. Schools must offer two different PLTW units over two years and complete grant reporting. Eligible schools include public and charter institutions in cities like Huntsville, AL, and Detroit, MI. The total grant amount is $10,000, distributed equally over two years, enabling schools to enhance their STEM education offerings.

LeBlanc/Baker Scholarship for Change

LeBlanc/Baker Scholarship for Change provides a renewable need-based scholarship to male students attending an accredited, four-year Historically Black College or University (“HBCU”).

LeBlanc/Baker Scholarship for Change award recipients will receive a 2026-2027 academic year award of up to $4,000 based on need. UNCF will send electronic notification to the eligible recipients in April 2026; and scholarship funds will be disbursed to the eligible recipients’ enrolled institutions in the fall 2026.

Scholarship Renewal

If funds are available, recipients may be eligible for awards for up to four (4) additional years within a five (5) year period.

Previously awarded students shall be notified and must meet the following criteria:

• Maintain academic standing consistent with the student’s institution standards for continued enrollment.
• Annually complete FAFSA and continue to have a demonstrated unmet financial need, as verified by their college or university.

A student who transfers from an HBCU to any accredited four-year college or university after successfully completing at least one (1) academic term remains eligible for recurring awards for attendance at their new institution if they otherwise meet the renewal eligibility criteria.

A student who withdraws or takes a leave of absence, after completing at least one (1) academic year, has the equivalent of a full academic year to reenroll at any accredited four-year college or university.

Kieth and Serena Cockrell Scholarship

This program was established in honor of long-time HBCU and UNCF supporters Kieth and Serena Cockrell, who are passionate about education and paving the way for future leaders. Eligible applicants must be permanent residents of North Carolina and a high school senior graduating from any public, private, or charter high school in Mecklenburg County, Union County, or Cabarrus County during this current Spring 2026 term.

Renewable Up to $30,000 Over a Four (4) Year Period. Up to $7,500 Per School Year.

Community Foundation of Northern Nevada

Established in 1998 as a Nevada nonprofit 501(c) 3 Corporation, the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada has distributed more than $200 million in grants and scholarships from over 300 charitable funds to strengthen our Nevada home. 

Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Northern Nevada’s Scholarship Program is intended to help students cover the ever-increasing cost of tuition. Some of our scholarships are based on financial need, but others represent an award for achievement. These scholarships typically go to students who have excelled in an academic area or have shown they can balance academics, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. There are also scholarships designated for students who have overcome adversity, students pursuing degrees in high-need areas, and adult learners outside the traditional college age group. Community Foundation scholarships can help cover tuition, books, and on-campus housing.

Claudine Williams Harrahs LV Employee Scholarship

You are eligible to apply for the Claudine Williams Harrah’s LV Employee Scholarship if you meet all of the following requirements:

• your parent or legal guardian has been a full-time employee of the original Harrah’s Las Vegas property for three (3) consecutive years at grade L14 or below (including all H and S grades
• your parent or guardian continues to be employed by Caesars Entertainment either at Harrah’s Las Vegas or another Caesar’s property for three consecutive years on the date the application is submitted
• your family income shows a need for tuition assistance
• you are a high school senior or college student with a minimum cumulative unweighted 2.75 GPA
• you have a minimum 1200 SAT or 20 ACT score
• you agree to maintain a minimum 2.5 grade point average and provide a copy of your unofficial transcripts at the end of each semester you are receiving a scholarship for review prior to annual scholarship renewal

Who We Are

Founded in 1996, the Community Foundation of South Georgia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to making South Georgia a better place to live through effective philanthropy. We help individuals, families, nonprofit organizations and businesses establish and manage charitable funds that carry out their philanthropic interests. Serving a geographic area of 35 counties in South Georgia, we facilitate our donors’ charitable plans and goals by creating custom designed funds that meet their specific interests and ensure solid financial management and administration for each fund. 

Thomas B. McDowell Memorial Scholarship

For a college student who has either graduated from a high school located in Early County, Georgia, or who is a current resident of Early County, Georgia. Applicants must have completed at least two years in a post-secondary college or university in the United States and have attained at least a 2.5 GPA in the post-secondary college or university. The award is based on academic achievement, financial need, extracurricular school activities or employment, community service, and leadership qualities.

About Community Foundation of South Alabama

Since its inception, the Community Foundation has grown to over 500 funds and awarded over $98 million in grants and scholarships throughout the eight counties of southwest Alabama, improving the lives of many residents in our corner of the world.

We amplify the gifts from generous donors through wise investment, support others in efforts to enhance our community, and lead and collaborate on initiatives which have a broad impact.

Scholarships

The more than 40 scholarship funds at the Foundation were created by generous donors who wanted to help the students in our community achieve a brighter future. We are committed to assisting the most promising students with scholarships for professional certificate programs, two and four-year undergraduate degrees and graduate school. The scholarship funds at the Foundation award grants to high school, community college and university students to be used for tuition, books, and fees.

Beulah Goode Memorial and Thelma Goode Scholarship Fund

For a graduating senior who is a member of Hope Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church of Mobile to attend any college. 

About Community Foundation of South Alabama

Since its inception, the Community Foundation has grown to over 500 funds and awarded over $98 million in grants and scholarships throughout the eight counties of southwest Alabama, improving the lives of many residents in our corner of the world.

We amplify the gifts from generous donors through wise investment, support others in efforts to enhance our community, and lead and collaborate on initiatives which have a broad impact.

Scholarships

The more than 40 scholarship funds at the Foundation were created by generous donors who wanted to help the students in our community achieve a brighter future. We are committed to assisting the most promising students with scholarships for professional certificate programs, two and four-year undergraduate degrees and graduate school. The scholarship funds at the Foundation award grants to high school, community college and university students to be used for tuition, books, and fees.

Gus Shopoff Scholarship Fund

For a graduating senior who is a member of Team Focus, plans to attend any school of higher learning, is well rounded, has exemplary grades and community involvement.

The Jacobs Research Funds (JRF) provide grants for research on aboriginal peoples of the Americas, supporting projects that focus on endangered cultures and languages, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. Grants range from $3,000 to $9,000, and applicants must submit all required documents, including support letters, by February 15. JRF prioritizes new data collection and does not fund proprietary or non-aboriginal research. Eligible researchers must typically hold a Master's degree or have a designated Sponsor.

About Community Foundation of South Alabama

Since its inception, the Community Foundation has grown to over 500 funds and awarded over $98 million in grants and scholarships throughout the eight counties of southwest Alabama, improving the lives of many residents in our corner of the world.

We amplify the gifts from generous donors through wise investment, support others in efforts to enhance our community, and lead and collaborate on initiatives which have a broad impact.

Scholarships

The more than 40 scholarship funds at the Foundation were created by generous donors who wanted to help the students in our community achieve a brighter future. We are committed to assisting the most promising students with scholarships for professional certificate programs, two and four-year undergraduate degrees and graduate school. The scholarship funds at the Foundation award grants to high school, community college and university students to be used for tuition, books, and fees.

Hilliard P. and Helen P. Jenkins Scholarship

Recipient must: (1) be an African-American resident of Baldwin County; (2) attend a two- or four-year public and accredited institution as a full-time student; (3) intend to pursue a Liberal Arts, Health/Medical, Social Sciences, or Physical Sciences degree, and (4) have a minimum high school GPA of 3.0.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

College Club of Pittsburgh Scholarship Fund

The College Club of Pittsburgh Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships for students who have faced social, economic, or educational barriers due to systemic gender inequity, and who were born, lived in or went to school in Western PA to provide support for continuing education.

Award Type: Single Year Award. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Bradley “Ace” Schaffner Scholarship Fund

The Bradley “Ace” Schaffner Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation in honor of Ace by his parents to provide scholarships for students living in Southwestern Pennsylvania who are pursing a 4-year liberal arts degree.

Award Type: Single Year. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years.

The Literacy Opportunity Fund, supported by the Nora Roberts Foundation and administered by ProLiteracy, provides grants ranging from $3,000 to $6,000 to nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that directly serve students with literacy programs. This initiative aims to enhance the operational capabilities of diverse literacy organizations, allowing them to effectively meet student needs. Applications are reviewed quarterly, ensuring timely support for eligible organizations that have not received funding within the calendar year.

The NEA Big Read Grant, managed by Arts Midwest, aims to foster community engagement through shared reading experiences. This initiative funds nonprofit organizations to host diverse reading programs, encouraging cross-cultural understanding and creativity. With grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, organizations can conduct book discussions, workshops, and creative events to strengthen community ties and promote civic engagement. The program highlights local voices and invites participation from various audiences, creating a vibrant literary culture.

About Us

For over three decades, the Hamilton Education Foundation (HEF) has been sparking innovation and expanding horizons within our classrooms. Since 1991, this community-powered non-profit has channeled more than $2.5 million from passionate individuals, local businesses, and forward-thinking organizations directly into the hands of Hamilton’s students and teachers. 

By funding transformative workshops, creative projects, and classroom grants, HEF doesn't just support education—it inspires students to dream bigger, rewards academic excellence, and builds a stronger, more vibrant community.

Our Vision

The vision of the Hamilton Education Foundation is to assist in achieving creative and academic excellence for the 21st Century through funding activities and projects for students and educators in the Hamilton School District.

Our Mission

Our mission, in partnership with the community, is to fund, Enhanced, Extended, and Enriched learning opportunities for students and educators in the Hamilton School District.

Teacher Grants

Educator Enrichment Grant

The Educator Enrichment Grant funds teacher participation in off-campus professional development, including seminars, workshops, conferences, and externships. 

PetSmart Charities

We’re proud to celebrate over 30 years of being the leading funder of animal welfare in communities across North America. Since 1994, we’ve granted over $600 million to change-making organizations that help transform the lives of pets and those who love them.

Our Mission: We make the world a better place for pets by investing in community partners that advocate and care for the well-being of pets and all who love them.

Adoption Growth Grants 

Purpose

Adoption Growth grants drive lifesaving outcomes by supporting successful, sustainable in-store adoption programs, events, and results in partnership with PetSmart stores.

Funding Support

Funding may be used for costs associated with building or enhancing your organization’s adoption program in partnership with PetSmart stores, including:

• Staff positions supporting in-store adoption programs and events.
• Marketing and advertising for in-store adoption programs.
• Volunteer or foster support, incentives, and recruitment related to in-store adoption events.
• Event supplies, including containment and enrichment materials.
• Shelter software and technology needs.
• Vehicle repairs or transportation to adoption events.
• Innovative in-store adoption ideas and pilot programs.
• Other costs directly associated with facilitating PetSmart adoptions and in-store events.

There are two Cohorts under this funding: Cohort 1-  Accelerating in-store adoptions; and Cohort 2: Capacity Building.

Cohort 2: Capacity Building

Applicants must have completed at least one adoption in a PetSmart store within the last 12 months.

Preference will be given to organizations seeking to build a consistent, sustainable in-store adoption program. Applications should include a clear plan, with examples, for sustaining the program over time.

Four Required Steps

Applicants must complete all four required steps below before submitting a grant application:

• Step 1 - Watch the kick-off video and complete the Adoption Accessibility Questionnaire
• Step 2 - Confirm eligibility and connect with your Adoptions Grant Manager: After completing the questionnaire, you will receive an email confirming your eligibility. Eligible partners will be invited to a call with their Adoptions Grant Manager to discuss the grant opportunity, expectations, and potential fit.
• Step 3 - Engage your PetSmart store partners: Discuss your intent to apply, align on goals, and gain their commitment to support the success of your in-store adoption program.
• Step 4-  Submit your application.

PetSmart Charities

We’re proud to celebrate over 30 years of being the leading funder of animal welfare in communities across North America. Since 1994, we’ve granted over $600 million to change-making organizations that help transform the lives of pets and those who love them.

Our Mission: We make the world a better place for pets by investing in community partners that advocate and care for the well-being of pets and all who love them.

Adoption Growth Grants 

Purpose

Adoption Growth grants drive lifesaving outcomes by supporting successful, sustainable in-store adoption programs, events, and results in partnership with PetSmart stores.

Funding Support

Funding may be used for costs associated with building or enhancing your organization’s adoption program in partnership with PetSmart stores, including:

• Staff positions supporting in-store adoption programs and events.
• Marketing and advertising for in-store adoption programs.
• Volunteer or foster support, incentives, and recruitment related to in-store adoption events.
• Event supplies, including containment and enrichment materials.
• Shelter software and technology needs.
• Vehicle repairs or transportation to adoption events.
• Innovative in-store adoption ideas and pilot programs.
• Other costs directly associated with facilitating PetSmart adoptions and in-store events.

There are two Cohorts under this funding: Cohort 1-  Accelerating in-store adoptions; and Cohort 2: Capacity Building.

Cohort 1- Accelerating in-store Adoptions

Applicants must have completed 500 or more adoptions in a PetSmart store in the U.S. within the last 12 months.

Preference will be given to organizations that demonstrate a clear plan to expand an existing in-store adoption program or introduce new in-store adoption models that will increase adoptions.

Four Required Steps

Applicants must complete all four required steps below before submitting a grant application:

• Step 1 - Watch the kick-off video and complete the Adoption Accessibility Questionnaire
• Step 2 - Confirm eligibility and connect with your Adoptions Grant Manager: After completing the questionnaire, you will receive an email confirming your eligibility. Eligible partners will be invited to a call with their Adoptions Grant Manager to discuss the grant opportunity, expectations, and potential fit.
• Step 3 - Engage your PetSmart store partners: Discuss your intent to apply, align on goals, and gain their commitment to support the success of your in-store adoption program.
• Step 4-  Submit your application.

The Institutional Impact Grants by Wake Forest University aim to support U.S. colleges and universities in fostering moral, civic, and intellectual character among their community members. In 2026, these grants will empower institutions committed to character development for faculty, staff, and students, promoting a holistic educational environment. This initiative underscores the importance of character in education, aligning with the university's mission to cultivate ethical leaders.

The Wake Forest Capacity Building Grant, part of the Educating Character Initiative, aims to enhance character education in U.S. higher education institutions. Established in 2023 with support from Lilly Endowment Inc., the initiative has already provided $35 million in grants to 146 institutions. In 2026, new grants will be awarded to colleges and universities focused on fostering moral, civic, and intellectual character among their faculty, staff, and students.

The Exploring Christian Practices Initiative by Lilly Endowment aims to enhance access to settings that enable diverse individuals to engage in Christian practices. This initiative seeks to address spiritual interests, foster community connections, and support the growth of faith. By multiplying opportunities for exploration, it encourages meaningful participation in religious life and nurtures a deeper understanding of Christian traditions.

The ANSWER Scholarship, offered by the College Foundation of North Carolina, provides financial support ranging from $2,750 to $5,500 for nontraditional female students aged 25 and older who are mothers of school-age children. This scholarship aims to enhance access to higher education in North Carolina, helping eligible women pursue their academic goals at both two-year and four-year institutions. It serves residents of specific counties, promoting educational advancement for families.

Southern California Kids to Parks Grants Program

National Park Trust is thrilled to offer the 2026 Southern California Kids to Parks Grants Program. Open to Title I schools (40% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch) based in the Southern California Edison service area (Map of Eligible Locations) for grades 3 through 12, this grant program provides classrooms with up to $1,500 for in-park experiences. While grant requests for all types of park visits are welcome, applicants are encouraged to consider trips to historical sites in honor of the celebration of our country's 250th birthday in 2026.

Funding can be used towards program fees, transportation costs, stewardship supplies, and any other materials needed for a robust learning experience.

This grant is designed to be student-driven, and student-teacher collaboration is a must. All applications must include a stewardship element and a park-themed educational component that focuses on either outdoor recreation and healthy lifestyles, environmental education/science, or history.

Teachers may submit the application on behalf of their class, but direct student involvement in the application is required.

Who We Are

Founded in 1996, the Community Foundation of South Georgia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to making South Georgia a better place to live through effective philanthropy. We help individuals, families, nonprofit organizations and businesses establish and manage charitable funds that carry out their philanthropic interests. Serving a geographic area of 35 counties in South Georgia, we facilitate our donors’ charitable plans and goals by creating custom designed funds that meet their specific interests and ensure solid financial management and administration for each fund. 

Hosea Hall & Lilly Eason Vann Scholarship

For a graduating senior of a high school located in Thomas County, Georgia who has attained at least a 3.0 GPA in high school. The award is based on Academics, Financial Need, Leadership Qualities, Extracurricular Activities and Community Service.

Unless noted otherwise in the scholarship description and criteria statement, applicants can attend accredited schools of their choice within the United States.

CFNJ scholarships awards vary. On average, awards range from $500 to $2,500. However, the award could be larger based on the number of qualified applicants and the parameters set by donors who have established the funds. 

Siegel Family Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior or recent graduate (1-2 years out of high school) from the greater Newark area. Preference will be given to students who have been actively involved with GlassRoots, Inc., or Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties. Students will be evaluated on academic performance (2.5 GPA or better), extracurricular activities, community service, work (paid or unpaid), and unmet financial need.