Best Higher Education Grants in South Carolina

Margaret and Jack Paylor Family Scholarship Fund

The Margaret and Jack Paylor Family Scholarship Fund was created to provide financial assistance for higher education attainment to economically disadvantaged students residing in Greenville County and planning to be attending a South Carolina public college/university. 

Funding

• $5,000 per academic year.
• The goal of this fund is to award four $5,000 scholarships annually for a total annual distribution of $20,000.
• The number of annual awards is limited to the fund’s distributable amount based on the terms outlined in the Fund Agreement.
• All award distributions will be made by the Community Foundation on the recommendation of the Scholarship Advisory Committee and will be paid in two installments ($2,500 per semester) to an approved educational institution in the name of the recipient.
• Scholarship recipients must maintain a 2.5 GPA. If scholarship eligibility is lost during the first semester of an academic year, the second installment of $2,500 will not be issued.
• Scholarship funds are awarded for one academic year. 

Students ages 16–25 pursuing higher education in South Carolina, whose parent was killed or seriously injured in a work-related incident, can receive academic scholarships based on financial need. Focused on higher education access, Kids’ Chance of South Carolina invites eligible U.S. students enrolled in trade schools, community colleges, or college degree programs to apply.

Students ages 16–25 in South Carolina pursuing higher education whose parent or guardian was seriously or fatally injured in a work-related accident may be eligible for this scholarship. Kids’ Chance of South Carolina provides funding for trade, vocational, community college, undergraduate, or graduate programs, including support for educational access, equity, and college persistence.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing higher education at accredited public universities in South Carolina can receive renewable scholarship support for tuition and expenses. Central Carolina Community Foundation’s Dinkins Family Scholarship serves students whose permanent address is in its 11-county Midlands service area, with priority for first-generation college students and those with financial need who demonstrate community involvement.

South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association

The South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association was founded in 1905 by a group of determined fire service leaders committed to strengthening the fire service through education, training, benefit provision, and legislative representation. Today, our mission stands: to serve the membership as the leader in fire service advocacy, benefits, education, and safety, while acting as the steward of the Firemen’s Insurance and Inspection Fund.

To fulfill this mission, the Association is supported by a family of programs and organizations that extend our reach and impact. These include the South Carolina Firefighters Foundation, the South Carolina Burned Children’s Fund (operating under the Foundation), the South Carolina Firefighters Insurance Services, and the South Carolina Firefighters Assistance Team.

Lieutenant Taylor A. Graham Memorial Scholarship

Lieutenant Graham served in the fire service for more than 30 years, dedicating his career to protecting citizens across Greenville and Spartanburg Counties. He proudly served 22 years with the City of Greer Fire Department as a Lieutenant and was also a member of the Greenville County Emergency Response Team (ERT). Beyond his years of service, Lieutenant Graham was deeply passionate about mentoring and teaching future firefighters. As an instructor at the fire academy, he took great pride in helping develop the next generation of fire service professionals and was honored to share his knowledge and experience with others entering the profession.

The Graham family has established an annual scholarship in remembrance of Lieutenant Taylor A Graham’s dedication and passion for the citizens of Greenville and Spartanburg Counties, and South Carolina’s fire service.

Applicants must complete the application, offer a letter of support from the applicant’s Fire Chief, and provide a general reference letter of support from a person of the applicant’s choosing. 

About

Central Carolina Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps generous people give back to the Midlands of South Carolina in ways that matter. Since 1984, we’ve been a trusted partner, helping individuals, families, and businesses make smart, meaningful contributions that support local nonprofits, scholarships, and community projects.

Milford H. Wessinger Scholarship ($2,000) 

This renewable scholarship is available to graduating seniors or graduates of a high school in Lexington County, South Carolina. 

High school seniors in Chapin, South Carolina pursuing higher education in-state can receive renewable scholarship support for accredited, nonprofit colleges or technical schools. Grants from Central Carolina Community Foundation help higher education students who are Mt. Horeb Lutheran Church members or children of members, with preference for dependents of certain higher-ed facilities employees.

African American students in South Carolina pursuing higher education at in-state HBCUs can receive scholarship support for accredited, nonprofit institutions. With a mission to strengthen local giving, Central Carolina Community Foundation offers the renewable Benny and Eleanor Clark Scholarship to residents meeting GPA and McDonald’s franchise employment-related criteria for the upcoming academic year.

South Carolina 501(c)(3) colleges, universities, and nonprofits offering higher education or job retraining programs can seek project or capital support to strengthen their communities. Focused on education, Philip L Van Every Foundation also funds select initiatives in healthcare, human and community services, and arts, culture, and history across North and South Carolina.

Postgraduate law students attending ABA-accredited South Carolina law schools can receive renewable scholarship support for higher education costs. Central Carolina Community Foundation provides South Carolina higher education students with funding paid directly to accredited, nonprofit institutions, with preference for African American applicants from South Carolina who demonstrate financial need, community involvement, and leadership.

Organizations and academic institutions improving education, career readiness, or workforce development for South Carolina students can apply for grants of US $25,000 - US $100,000 supporting middle school through adult learners. Grants from South Carolina Student Loan help South Carolina higher education programs expand access, boost degree completion, and create pathways to quality workforce opportunities, with quarterly review of rolling applications.

The Region IV Benny Bootle Memorial Scholarship offers a one-year financial award for undergraduate students in pre-engineering, engineering, or architecture within ASHRAE Region IV (North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia). Candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and meet specific eligibility criteria, including affiliation with an ASHRAE student branch or an ABET-accredited program. This scholarship aims to support future leaders in the HVAC&R industry, promoting sustainability and innovation in engineering.

Foothills Community Foundation

In 1999, the founding members of Foothills Community Foundation shared a vision for our community. They focused their time, resources, and mission to promote philanthropy and provide a catalyst for giving in Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens Counties.

Today, our leaders share the same vision. We work to inspire participation in philanthropy and retain the charitable wealth in our community to positively impact lives now and for future generations.

Scholarships

Several different scholarship funds have been established by individuals, companies, and organizations wanting to assist individuals with furthering their education. All qualified applicants will be graduating high school seniors except for renewal options specifically noted.

Irvin Cauthen Scholarship

Seniors from Anderson, Oconee, or Pickens County who plan to major in business or engineering at Anderson University, Florida State University, Clemson University or Georgia Tech are qualified. This scholarship is renewable.

Scholarship funds are awarded for one academic year. A renewal application is required for each academic year with demonstration of being in good standing at their school of choice.

The James R. Bullock, Jr. Scholarship, offered by the American Society of Heating Refrigerating & A C Engineers, is a one-year scholarship aimed at undergraduate mechanical or architectural engineering students in ASHRAE Region IV. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 and meet specific criteria, such as being enrolled in an accredited program or a school hosting an ASHRAE student branch. This scholarship promotes education in HVAC&R fields and supports future professionals.

High school seniors who are primary Revity Federal Credit Union members in good standing planning to attend a 2- or 4-year college in South Carolina or North Carolina can apply for scholarships supporting higher education. Focused on college preparation, Carolinas Credit Union Foundation offers two $5,000 Revity FCU awards plus consideration for its broader scholarship program.

First-generation college students in South Carolina’s Beaufort, Hampton, Jasper, or Colleton counties can apply for the Douglas K. Fletcher Scholarship, awarding up to US $500 for college supplies, equipment, and textbooks. Eligible applicants must attend the University of South Carolina Beaufort or Technical College of the Lowcountry full time with at least 42 credit hours and a 3.0 GPA.

High school seniors and recent graduates pursuing technical college education in South Carolina can access funding through Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. The Stephen Nicholas Smith Memorial Scholarship supports students from Hampton, Barnwell, or Colleton counties with strong financial need who are attending or accepted to a South Carolina Technical College System program.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in higher education, adolescent learning, adult/vocational education, or health and mental health programs can seek $10,000 - $75,000 to expand proven initiatives. L B Research and Education Foundation provides multi-year, research-informed program funding; South Carolina colleges, universities, and related organizations serving underserved learners may be eligible.

The Wallace F. Pate Scholarship, established by the Hampton Wildlife Fund in 2004, awards $2,500 annually to a South Carolina resident pursuing higher education in natural resource disciplines. This scholarship honors Wallace F. Pate, a pioneer in offshore big game fishing. Eligible applicants must be seniors in South Carolina high schools, planning to major in fields such as wildlife biology or environmental science. The scholarship aims to support future conservation leaders and promote educational growth in South Carolina.

The Thomas Webster Hardwick Jr. Scholarship, offered by the Hampton Wildlife Fund, provides a $5,000 annual award for four years to deserving students. This scholarship is aimed at South Carolina seniors in public or private high schools who plan to pursue higher education in natural resource disciplines. It honors Mr. Hardwick's legacy, promoting conservation and environmental education, ensuring that future generations appreciate the state's wildlife and natural landscapes.

South Carolina high school seniors seeking post-secondary education funding can apply for the Promise of the Lowcountry Scholarship, which supports higher education and vocational training costs. Focused on financial need, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry invites eligible students from Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper County public high schools to pursue degrees or certificates at accredited in-state institutions.

The Harry Hampton Fund Scholarship, established by the Hampton Wildlife Fund, provides a $5,000 scholarship annually to support South Carolina residents pursuing higher education in natural resource-related fields. Eligible applicants must be seniors in high school, maintain a GPA of 2.5 or above, and select a major in disciplines such as wildlife biology, forestry, or environmental science. This initiative promotes academic growth while fostering a deeper appreciation for the state's wildlife and natural resources.

The David M. Cline Scholarship, established by the Hampton Wildlife Fund in 2011, honors a dedicated board member who supported wildlife conservation in South Carolina. This scholarship is available to seniors in South Carolina high schools pursuing higher education in law enforcement, criminal justice, or forensic science. By fostering education in these fields, the scholarship aims to continue Mr. Cline's legacy of promoting wildlife and environmental stewardship in the Palmetto State.

The Vulcan Materials Company Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community quality of life through education, environmental stewardship, and employee involvement. Established in 1988, the Foundation supports public charities and government units, prioritizing proposals that improve public education and promote sustainable practices. Special consideration is given to initiatives that engage Vulcan employees and integrate multiple focus areas, ensuring a positive impact in the local communities where Vulcan operates.

High school seniors from select central Minnesota schools planning full-time study at a four-year college outside Minnesota and neighboring states can receive scholarship support for higher education. CommunityGiving’s Ernest Morgan Memorial Scholarship awards US $5,000 to a student leader or student athlete attending an eligible U.S. college, which may include institutions in South Carolina.

High school seniors, graduates, and current undergraduates in South Carolina and select nearby states can apply for Dominion Energy Educational Equity Scholarships, awarding US $5,000 - US $10,000 for undergraduate study. Administered by Scholarship America, this program supports students pursuing 2- or 4-year higher education or vocational-technical programs full time.

First-generation college students living in South Carolina’s Greenville County can receive scholarship support for higher education expenses. Grants from Community Foundation of Greenville help these students attend approved post-secondary institutions, with funds paid directly to the school for one academic year; prior recipients may reapply for up to four years.