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Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.
Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.
Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.
Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.
John "Jack" and Jo Schils Scholarship Fund
The John "Jack" and Jo Schils Scholarship Fund was established by the Schils family in 2020 as a memorial tribute to John "Jack" Schils, a multi-sports coach, athletic director, teacher, principal, father, grandfather, husband and friend to many. This fund supports students from the Battle Creek Public Schools District where Jack was employed from 1958 until his retirement in 1986.
The Center for Scholarship Administration
The Center for Scholarship Administration (CSA) provides corporations, foundations, trust funds, and individual philanthropists scholarship selection and administration management that is experienced, professional, and cost efficient while lending the program an integrity not inherent in internal selection committees.
Wickam, Ivie Frances scholarship
The Ivie Frances Wickam Scholarship Trust is providing scholarships for deserving students. The Center for Scholarship Administration, Inc. (CSA), a non-profit, independent organization is the facilitator of the scholarship fund.
This scholarship is for one year only; however, current recipients may reapply and be considered for additional funding along with other new applicants. Scholarship recipients must be enrolled full-time. Scholarship recipients are limited to four total years of scholarship award and are expected to have been enrolled consecutive years during that time. Students must reapply for additional scholarship awards each year.
Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.
Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.
Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.
Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.
Gerald D. Barnes Family Scholarship Fund
Gerald D. Barnes, a 1942 Colon High School graduate, was a standout four-year varsity first baseman. Following high school, he attended Argubright Business College for one year. He married Vera H. Kellogg in 1944, a 1942 graduate of Battle Creek Central - one of only two of 13 siblings to graduate high school. Vera played baseball during the time men where off at war and Gerald often kept score for her team. Their honeymoon was spent at a Detroit Tigers game and their love of baseball continued their entire lives. In 1945, Gerald was drafted into the U.S. Army and they put his business education to good use processing soldiers coming home from WWII. As a veteran he had been called a hero, but disagreed stating, "Those who fought overseas were the true heroes." Once discharged in 1946, he wore a flag pin every day, proudly displaying his love of Country and rests forever with his pin over his heart.
Following his service, Gerald worked at Post Cereals Carton and Container Division in Battle Creek for 40 years. Higher education was not common amongst Gerald's generation, but he and Vera understood their children and grandchild would need it to succeed and to this end, supported their education in every way they could. Their daughter received a certificate from Kellogg Community College and retired from Battle Creek Public Schools after 44 years. Their son earned a Bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University, and after serving our Country during the Vietnam conflict, earned his Master's from Utah State University. Their grand-daughter graduated from BCCHS 50 years to the day after Vera, and received her Bachelor's degree from Drury University. Through this scholarship, the Barnes family leaves a legacy that will support Battle Creek Public Schools graduates in obtaining higher education in a skilled trade field.
About
The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region is an independent, public charity established in September 1996 by a steering committee of local civic leaders to gather permanent funds to support our area.
The Foundation’s service area now includes Danville, Pittsylvania and Halifax counties in Virginia as well as Caswell County, NC.
Scholarship Information
Currently, The Community Foundation administers 75 separate endowed scholarship funds. Established by individuals or organizations, these funds help area students achieve their academic and career-oriented goals.
Scholarships through the Community Foundation support individuals of all ages who reside within the Dan River Region – Danville, VA; Pittsylvania and Halifax counties, VA; and Caswell County, NC. In 2025, we awarded more than $370,000 to 152 students.
Frank, Mary and Ray Compton Scholarship
Open applications for Pittsylvania County graduates who have a need for financial support
Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley
Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) empowers individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to fulfill their philanthropic goals through the establishment of charitable funds that support the needs of Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties. With over $100 million in assets, CFHV manages nearly 600 charitable funds and has distributed more than $777 million in grants and scholarships since January 2000. We lead initiatives to address urgent community needs such as food insecurity and educational challenges, offering both immediate relief and long-term support.
William J. Nichols Medical Scholarship
Established by the Hyde Park Rotary in honor of Mr. Nichols, income from this fund provides scholarships to graduating high school seniors living in the Hyde Park School District with plans to pursue a career in a medical field.
Type of Award
One-time non-renewable scholarship payable to school
Current High School
Franklin D. Roosevelt High School or residents in the Hyde Park School District
Community Foundation of the North State
The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.
We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.
Scholarships
The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.
Columbia Bank Kenneth R. Gifford, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Program
The Columbia Bank Kenneth R. Gifford, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Program (formerly Columbia Bank) awards ten, $1,000.00 scholarships each year. High school seniors attending school in Siskiyou, Shasta, Tehama, Glenn, Colusa, Placer, Sacramento counties may apply.
Columbia Bank recognizes that our continued success is contingent upon the health and vitality of the communities we serve. Taking action to improve the well-being of others is a community responsibility and commitment we fully believe in and commit to. We value the opportunity to provide financial support to the youth in our communities.
About The Foundation
The Coshocton Foundation was created in 1967 through a $685,000 bequest from Adolph Golden, a prominent Coshocton merchant and harness racing enthusiast. The foundation originally was a single fund from which all grants were made.
In 1989, the late Edward and Frances Montgomery gave broader giving a significant boost by establishing a challenge fund that would match gifts to the Foundation’s unrestricted fund. The fund was set up to match a maximum of $500,000 over a period of ten years.
At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.
Muskegon Surgical Associates Scholarship
This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Muskegon Surgical Associates, P.C., who established the Muskegon Surgical Associates Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. The doctors in this surgical group wanted to fulfill their corporate responsibility and contribute back to the community. This scholarship award is for medical school students.
Battle Creek Community Foundation
Our Mission: The Battle Creek Community Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to expand opportunity and create lasting community benefit for today and tomorrow.
Scholarships
Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.
David M. McDill Scholarship Fund
The David M. McDill Scholarship Fund was established for the purpose of providing scholarships to graduating seniors from Harper Creek Community Schools pursuing post-secondary educational opportunities.
Dave McDill was the first Harper Creek Men's and Women's swimming and diving coach, serving from 1977-1995. In 1964, he started his teaching career at Harper Creek and then in 1976, he started a youth swim program for children in 4th grade and higher. This led to him starting the swim program at Harper Creek High School in 1977. His men's teams won League Championships in 1980, 1985, 1987, and 1989. His women's teams won League Championships in 1979, 1981, and 1983. Coach McDill had 3 swimmers win State titles and 16 teams placed in the top 10 at State meets. In his 31 years of service at Harper Creek Community Schools, he was a teacher, coach, community school director, pool director, and athletic director. More importantly, he served the community as a mentor and father figure who guided youth in a steady, supportive, and encouring manner.
Artist Support Grants
What are Artist Support Grants?
Artist Support Grants is a program funded by the N.C. Arts Council to provide the opportunity for regional consortia of local arts councils to award project grants to artists in their regions.
Artist fees are also allowable expenses under the new program. Grant amounts vary from region to region. Statewide, most grants are between $500 and $2,000.
Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Polk, Rutherford and Transylvania Counties
Grant Range:
Community Foundation of the North State
The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.
We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.
Scholarships
The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.
Don & Debbie Bankson Scholarship Endowment Fund
This opportunity allows the donors to fulfill their desire to help Shasta County youth, with excellent academics and a strong community-service background, pursue a college education.
Don and Debbie Bankson are longtime residents of Shasta County with a passion to support the community they love. Through a donation of real property to the Shasta Regional Community Real Estate Foundation, the Banksons seeded the Don and Debbie Scholarship Fund to fulfill their desire to help Shasta County youth, with excellent academics and a strong community-service background, pursue a college education.
Artist Support Grants
What are Artist Support Grants?
Artist Support Grants is a program funded by the N.C. Arts Council to provide the opportunity for regional consortia of local arts councils to award project grants to artists in their regions.
Artist fees are also allowable expenses under the new program. Grant amounts vary from region to region. Statewide, most grants are between $500 and $2,000.
Beaufort, Dare, Hyde, Martin, Tyrrell and Washington Counties
Grant Range:
Artist Support Grants
What are Artist Support Grants?
Artist Support Grants is a program funded by the N.C. Arts Council to provide the opportunity for regional consortia of local arts councils to award project grants to artists in their regions.
Artist fees are also allowable expenses under the new program. Grant amounts vary from region to region. Statewide, most grants are between $500 and $2,000.
Cabarrus, Cleveland, Gaston, Lincoln, Mecklenburg and Rowan Counties
Grant Range:
Artist Support Grants
What are Artist Support Grants?
Artist Support Grants is a program funded by the N.C. Arts Council to provide the opportunity for regional consortia of local arts councils to award project grants to artists in their regions.
Artist fees are also allowable expenses under the new program. Grant amounts vary from region to region. Statewide, most grants are between $500 and $2,000.
Alleghany, Ashe, Watauga and Wilkes Counties
Grant Range:
At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.
Muskegon Eagles / Monsignor Kehren Scholarship
This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Muskegon Eagles, Chapter 668, and Monsignor Kehren, who established the Muskegon Eagles Monsignor Kehren Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Monsignor Kehren served St. Mary's Church in downtown Muskegon for many years. When he died, Chapter 668 of the Muskegon Eagles established this in his honor. The award is supported through an annual bowling tournament held by the Eagles. Thanks to their generosity, the spirit of Monsignor Kehren endures as part of the Muskegon community, granting the lasting gift of education to the youth of Muskegon County.
Artist Support Grants
What are Artist Support Grants?
Artist Support Grants is a program funded by the N.C. Arts Council to provide the opportunity for regional consortia of local arts councils to award project grants to artists in their regions.
Artist fees are also allowable expenses under the new program. Grant amounts vary from region to region. Statewide, most grants are between $500 and $2,000.
Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover and Pender Counties
Grant Range:
Operating grants for nonprofits provide essential funding to support day-to-day operations, staff salaries, and infrastructure. The following grants help organizations build capacity, maintain sustainability, and focus on achieving their mission-driven goals.
Explore 8,000+ funding opportunities for operational support, with $3.84B in resources. Instrumentl helps nonprofits secure essential funding by offering grant discovery tools, deadline tracking, and strategic funder analysis to ensure long-term success.
How common are grants in this category?
Quite common — grants in this category are more prevalent than in others.
Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for Operating grants for Nonprofits?
Most grants are due in the first quarter.
Nonprofits of all types can apply for operating grants, but they are especially useful for organizations needing flexible funding to support the core work of their mission. Operating grants are ideal for nonprofits involved in general population well-being. Specific sectors include healthcare, education, social services, and the arts. Unlike project-based grants that fund specific initiatives, operating grants help with essential costs like staff salaries, rent, and general admin costs. Funders often look for groups with a clear mission who serve a meaningful purpose and have potential for long-term impact.
Based on Instrumentl’s live grant database for operating, grant deadlines are most common in Q1, accounting for 28.0% of all submission dates. The slowest period for new grant opportunities in this category falls in Q4, making it a less competitive time for preparation and strategic planning.
Operating grants exist to help nonprofits function smoothly and grow effectively. The goal is to give organizations the financial means they need to focus on their mission, serve their communities, and support long-term stability. These grants allow nonprofits to improve everyday operations, invest in staff development, and expand programs. Funders want to see nonprofits thrive, not just survive, and providing operational support is a key element to making that happen.
Funding for operating grants varies widely, with award amounts ranging from a minimum of $0 to a maximum of $188,250,000. Based on Instrumentl’s data, the median grant amount for this category is $37,500, while the average grant awarded is $734,409. Understanding these funding trends can help nonprofits set realistic expectations when applying.
Operating grants are often funded by private foundations like the popular Ford Foundation. Some government agencies offer grants to strengthen nonprofit infrastructure, especially in sectors like health, education, and social services. Corporate giving programs may also support nonprofits that align with their values and create lasting impact.
To improve the chances of getting operating grants, nonprofits should:
For more advice on finding and winning operating grants, check out our step-by-step guide to general operating grants.
Instrumentl simplifies the process of applying for operating grants by offering an intuitive platform that helps nonprofits discover relevant funding opportunities, track deadlines, and analyze funder-giving patterns. The platform's automated alerts ensure users never miss a deadline, while detailed funder insights help organizations tailor their applications to align with grantor priorities.
Check out how Habitat for Humanity delivered over 200% ROI within just a few weeks.