Best Quality of Life Grants in Northern Mariana Islands

Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area seeks to ensure that our community thrives today, tomorrow, and forever by building our Community’s Endowment to support high impact charitable projects, helping donors achieve their charitable goals, and leading and partnering in community-level initiatives.

Scholarships

CFHZ awards over $1 million in scholarships each year for students to attend schools of higher education throughout the nation. Our scholarships are possible thanks to the generosity of donors who invest in our community’s future by furthering the education of others.

All Holland/Zeeland area individuals interested in post-secondary education are encouraged to apply for CFHZ scholarships.

The Foundation proudly administers over 100 scholarships, each with unique eligibility criteria that must be met before a candidate can be considered.

Global Concepts Enterprise, Inc. Founders’ Scholarship

• Graduating high school senior, graduating early college student, or currently enrolled college or vocational/technical school student
• Enrolled or enrolling at any accredited post-secondary educational institution (including vocational/technical school) within the United States
• Financial need, a consideration (encouraged to submit the page of the FAFSA Submission Summary showing the Student Aid Index amount)
• Age 25 or under
• The dependent child of a Global Concepts Enterprise, Inc. employee
• This scholarship is potentially renewable and supports one student at a time.

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.

WestFest Scholarship Fund

To support Hampden County residents pursuing degrees in the arts; preference to residents of Westfield.

KKR Charitable Donations supports impactful collaborations and programs addressing current needs while paving the way for future progress. Through their Corporate Citizenship program, KKR focuses on philanthropy, employee engagement, and sustainable community initiatives. The KKR Cares initiative enables employees to engage with communities worldwide via matching gifts, board service, and volunteer opportunities, aiming to enhance economic opportunity and security for underserved populations.

The Citizens' Institute on Rural Design (CIRD), a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and the Housing Assistance Council, invites rural communities to apply for design support. CIRD aims to enhance rural life and economic viability through planning and creative placemaking, empowering local citizens to address unique community challenges. Opportunities include Local Design Workshops and a Design Learning Cohort, providing resources, training, and support to foster community-driven solutions.

Bill and Maria Hoekstra Dental Scholarship

Graduating senior, graduating early college student, or current college student who permanently resides and attended high school, including home school, within the Foundation’s greater service area, including Fennville, Hamilton, Hudsonville, Saugatuck, and CTC students from any district.

The Zuckerman Postdoctoral Scholars Program fosters collaboration between leading scientific institutions in the U.S. and Israel by attracting top postdoctoral researchers. With a focus on STEM leadership, this program offers a unique two-year scholarship, allowing scholars to conduct research at participating Israeli universities and North American institutions. The initiative aims to strengthen academic ties, enhance research capabilities, and support the return of talented Israeli scholars to their home institutions, ultimately enriching the global scientific community.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Calvin H. & Elizabeth L. Topliff Scholarship

Georgia Mathews, mother to Marion Community Foundation board member, Spencer Mathews, created this endowed scholarship in 2023 in honor of her parents. The scholarship will be awarded to Marion County students who are pursuing a career in either education or engineering, with special consideration for students who will be attending Ohio Northern University, which is where Georgia’s parents met.

Betty Beatty Topliff was born in Pittsburgh but ended up in Marion after meeting Calvin at Ohio Northern and moving to his hometown of Marion. Betty (1928-2022) was a dedicated teacher for 30 years, most recently at Ridgedale High School. Calvin (1924-2009) was an Army veteran who served in Europe during WWII and was awarded the Bronze Star. Calvin retired from the marketing department of Ohio Edison Marion Division after 36 years of service.

Following retirement, Calvin and Betty were Florida snowbirds, but Betty returned to Marion after Calvin’s death to be with her beloved children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

The DOJ FY 2026 NIBIN Modernization Program aims to enhance the capabilities of law enforcement agencies by providing funding for modern ballistic imaging equipment. This initiative, authorized under Public Law 119-21, seeks to improve crime gun intelligence and support investigations into crimes involving illegal aliens and transnational criminal organizations. With a focus on upgrading outdated technology at 194 sites, this program ensures comprehensive maintenance and operational efficiency for five years, ultimately contributing to safer communities.

The Japanese-Language Education Project Grant supports initiatives that enhance Japanese language education across various regions. Offered by the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles, this grant targets workshops, seminars, and original projects that connect language learning with Japan Studies. Eligible applicants include non-profit educational organizations in the U.S. Projects should benefit multiple programs, ensuring a broad impact on Japanese language education. The deadline for applications is two months before the project start date, which must be between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026.

The Nature Awards for Inspiring Women in Science celebrate outstanding contributions by women in STEM fields. These awards recognize early-career female researchers who demonstrate exceptional achievements, face challenges, and inspire the next generation through outreach. Winners receive prizes totaling $50,000, mentorship opportunities, and invitations to prestigious ceremonies. This initiative promotes inclusivity and aims to enhance the representation of women in science, thereby supporting a diverse and equitable scientific community.

The Nature Awards for Inspiring Women in Science, particularly in the Science Outreach category, honors initiatives that empower girls and young women in STEM fields. With a focus on engagement and retention, the awards aim to celebrate projects that encourage participation in natural sciences, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine. Winners will receive significant cash prizes and opportunities for mentorship, creating pathways for future generations of women in science.

Steve Wagner Scholarship

Steve Wagner retired as executive director of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Michigan (ACEC/M) in 2003 after 34 years of service. As a member of the Capitol Club and Michigan Society of Association Executives, Steve was well respected by his peers and colleagues and is known for his honesty and integrity.

Steve and his wife, Lana, were married in 1965 and have two daughters, Shelley and Whitney. Throughout his career, Steve has been a proponent of community service and has given many hours himself to church and community programs. Steve also has been a strong proponent of education. ACEC/M has established this scholarship in honor of Steve Wagner to award engineering and surveying students who, like Steve, are active in the community and find it important and necessary to give something back.

The Early Stage Innovations (ESI26) program by NASA invites U.S. institutions of higher education to propose innovative, early-stage space technology research. Focused on technologies with low Technology Readiness Levels, the program emphasizes civil-space applications. Proposals should address specific topics, including advancements in hypersonic flows, autonomous technologies for lunar and Martian environments, and new materials for aerospace applications. Collaboration is encouraged among eligible institutions, with support from NASA's Space Technology Research Grants Program.

The AHRQ Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (K08) aims to foster a diverse pool of skilled health services researchers. This funding opportunity supports career development for individuals pursuing research that aligns with AHRQ's mission and priorities. Eligible applicants will receive mentorship to enhance their research skills and contributions to the field. Overall, this initiative is crucial for addressing pressing healthcare research needs.

NASA is seeking innovative proposals for Early Stage Innovations in In Situ Resource Utilization, specifically focusing on Lunar Water Purification. This initiative invites U.S. institutions of higher education to submit projects that address critical civil-space needs. Awards, anticipated to begin in June 2027, will support groundbreaking research in space technology. Collaboration among faculty is encouraged, and proposals must be submitted through the NSPIRES system.

The Hanna H. Gray Fellows Program, supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, aims to enhance diversity in the academic research community. It provides funding of $250,000 and a $20,000 annual expense allowance for early-career researchers committed to fostering an inclusive scientific culture. Eligible applicants must hold a PhD or MD, commit to at least 75% research effort, and have no more than 24 months of postdoctoral experience. This initiative empowers fellows to become leaders in science.

The Hanna H. Gray Fellows Program, funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, aims to enhance diversity in the scientific community by supporting early-career researchers. The program provides funding for postdoctoral training and early faculty years, promoting an inclusive academic culture. Fellows receive an initial salary of $80,000 and a $20,000 annual expense allowance. This initiative helps develop future leaders in biological and biomedical sciences, ensuring equitable opportunities for all backgrounds.

The ACLS Graduate Internships on the Spiritual Infrastructure of the Future program offers summer opportunities for current PhD students in the humanities and social sciences to engage with organizations addressing the evolving American religious landscape. This initiative aims to cultivate future leaders by providing practical experiences that demonstrate the value of doctoral training beyond academia. Supported by the Templeton Religion Trust, the internships encourage collaboration between fellows and community organizations, fostering a deeper understanding of spiritual infrastructures.

The Rea Charitable Trust, established in 2009 by Mrs. Isabel McClintic Rea, prioritizes support for charitable organizations that focus on the arts. Administered by Comerica Bank & Trust, the trust provides funding through structured application periods for organizations based on their names. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, limited to one application per year. The trust aims to uphold Mrs. Rea's legacy by fostering artistic endeavors within the community.

The Foundations of Trusted Systems initiative seeks innovative research to develop secure, resilient, and affordable technologies for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) and Cyber systems. This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) aims to establish trusted foundations for hardware and software, building on previous work to enhance information processing systems. Researchers are encouraged to submit white papers for evaluation and potential funding.

The American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) Research Fund Grant supports projects that enhance legal information services and law librarianship. With a funding cap of $5,000 per round, the grant encourages diverse scholarship in legal research. Eligibility includes individuals with relevant research experience, while preference is given to AALL members. Applications are reviewed biannually by a jury, ensuring that the most impactful projects receive support. This initiative aims to foster innovation and collaboration within the legal information community.

The L’Oréal USA For Women in Science Fellowship empowers women postdoctoral scientists by providing annual grants to support their research in STEM fields. This initiative not only recognizes their contributions but also encourages them to serve as role models for future generations. With a long-standing partnership with the AAAS, the program has awarded over $5 million to 105 scientists, demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing women's roles in science and technology.

The PLTW Gateway Program Expansion, in partnership with Lockheed Martin, aims to enhance STEM education in schools across the United States. With a total grant of $10,000 for the 2026-2027 academic year, this initiative focuses on expanding existing PLTW Gateway programs, allowing schools to introduce new units and train additional teachers. Since 2007, Lockheed Martin's support has enabled over 300 programs, providing critical skills to more than 77,000 students nationwide.

The RTK Scholars Program, funded by RTK Environmental Group, provides a $1,500 scholarship to support students pursuing careers in science, particularly in environmental studies, biology, and engineering. This initiative aims to cultivate the next generation of experts in environmental testing and technology. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be enrolled in an accredited institution. The application deadline is May 31 each year, promoting academic excellence and dedication to environmental sciences.

The Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund Grant Program seeks to advance secure computing environments for AI-powered Radio Access Networks (RAN). This initiative aims to foster innovative solutions that can enhance operational revenue, provide cost efficiencies, and develop third-party services, thereby demonstrating viable business cases. By supporting the integration of AI capabilities, the program accelerates commercial deployments and promotes the export of secure, interoperable equipment.

The PLTW Gateway program, supported by Lockheed Martin, offers grants for schools to implement STEM and CTE-aligned curricula. Aimed at enhancing educational access for students, it provides funding of $10,000 for the 2026-2027 academic year. Eligible schools include public and charter institutions across the U.S. This initiative, part of a long-standing partnership since 2007, addresses the critical need for future engineers and scientists, benefiting over 77,000 students through innovative coursework.

The PLTW Gateway program, in partnership with Arrow Electronics, aims to enhance STEM education in public and charter schools across the U.S. Funded by Lockheed Martin, this initiative provides $10,000 for schools to expand their existing PLTW Gateway programs. Eligible activities include adding new units and training teachers. Since its inception, over 300 programs have been established, reaching over 77,000 students and addressing the growing need for skilled engineers and computer scientists.