Best Quality of Life Grants in South Carolina

The Military-Civilian Charitable Foundation Scholarship aims to support children of active or retired military personnel in the San Antonio area by providing scholarships for higher education. Established in 1954, this foundation integrates military and civilian communities, emphasizing the importance of education for military families facing unique challenges. Scholarships are available to high school seniors across all military branches, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to fostering patriotism and community support.

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) aims to advance the identification and evaluation of candidate biomarkers for neurological and neuromuscular disorders. By facilitating the clinical development of neurotherapeutics, the FOA encourages research that includes both animal studies and preliminary human evaluations. The ultimate goal is to produce biomarkers ready for rigorous analytical and clinical validation, enhancing the effectiveness of treatments in clinical practice.

Mission Statement

Beckley Area Foundation exists to inspire and facilitate generous charitable giving that advances our community.

The Beckley Area Foundation is committed to enriching lives and strengthening communities across Southern West Virginia.

Scholarship

Supporting Student Success

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

The Christie H. Meadows Family Scholarship

Eligibility

Need based scholarship for Raleigh County graduates, Member of FFA (Future Farmers of America) and/or 4Hclub, Required documentation of participation in FFA and/or 4H club, and preference given to students who have submitted an FFA and/or 4H project to the West Virginia State Fair.

The Toward An Inclusive Architecture Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, aims to empower Tennesseans of color by providing financial support for architectural education. This initiative not only covers educational expenses at accredited architecture schools but also enhances professional growth through internship placements at partner firms. By fostering diversity in architecture, the scholarship seeks to create a more inclusive and thriving community in Tennessee.

Chicken & Egg Pictures Inc

Chicken & Egg Films was founded in 2005 by documentary film industry veterans Julie Parker Benello, Wendy Ettinger, and Judith Helfand. As filmmakers, teachers, funders, and impact producers, they were inspired to utilize their collective expertise to uplift the power of fellow women storytellers. Chicken & Egg was thus created to help address financial and creative challenges uniquely faced by women in the field–a model that married funding with mentorship to create not just an organization, but a growing community. 

Chicken & Egg Films shapes a more equitable and just world with the catalytic power of documentary films by providing funding, mentorship and industry access to a global community of women and gender-expansive filmmakers. 

Chicken & Egg Award

The Chicken & Egg Award recognizes women and gender-expansive filmmakers at advanced stages in their careers who are poised to reach new heights in their creative and impact trajectories across the world.

Despite progress by talented women and gender-expansive documentary filmmakers across the globe, there are often still numerous roadblocks that stand in the way of a true industry breakthrough. These barriers are often tied to gender, race, class, disability, and geography. Only a few women and gender-expansive nonfiction directors in the United States and abroad are able to work full time as independent storytellers, and few are folks of color, from working-class backgrounds, or from under-represented countries. 

There are, however, a growing number who are getting close. Each has made several films, and each is an influential leader for the issues they explore on screen. With this Award, Chicken & Egg Films is making a bold investment in these creatives and a statement about gender equity. A greater diversity of voices participating in storytelling drives change. We believe this effort is inextricably connected to elevating critical social justice, environmental, and human rights issues. 

The Chicken & Egg Award consists of a $75,000 USD cash award and a year-long mentorship program. Of the total, $50,000 is unrestricted, allowing filmmakers to decide how to use the funding to support their creative and business practices. The additional $25,000 is a grant for the project(s) the filmmaker will work on during their program year. Our in-depth mentorship program is focused on strengthening Awardees’ professional infrastructure, increasing their visibility, and fulfilling their personal and creative goals.

The Pride Foundation Scholarship is designed to support LGBTQ+ students who demonstrate leadership in their communities and fields of study. Open to residents of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington, applicants must pursue post-secondary education in the 2025-2026 school year. The scholarship prioritizes those facing systemic barriers, including discrimination and financial need, ensuring resources reach LGBTQ+ students who need them most.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Established in January 2026, the Irene Zurine Memorial Scholarship Fund awards scholarships each year to support girls and women, traditional or nontraditional students, who are furthering their education.

The Indigenous Tomorrows Fund (ITF) is a youth-led initiative by Native Americans in Philanthropy aimed at supporting Indigenous youth leadership and community-driven solutions. In its 2025 pilot year, ITF will award up to 24 grants of $30,000 each to projects that enhance cultural continuity and sustainable futures. Priorities include promoting food justice, advancing community health, and strengthening cultural connections, particularly those addressing inequity and fostering long-term healing.

The Great Lakes Safety Training Center Scholarship, established by local contractors and businesses, aims to support residents of Gratiot or Saginaw County pursuing careers in trades or construction with a focus on safety. This scholarship is available to individuals enrolled in degree or certification programs at accredited institutions in Michigan, emphasizing the importance of safety in skilled trades. With awards typically ranging from $500 to $4,000, this initiative addresses the growing demand for skilled workers in the community.

The D. Scott Cooper Nursing Foundation Scholarship, offered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors from high schools in Gregg, Rusk, or Smith Counties pursuing a nursing degree. This scholarship emphasizes financial need, requiring FAFSA documentation, and provides funding for one year. Established to foster educational pursuits, it reflects the Foundation's commitment to empowering young individuals to achieve their dreams in the field of nursing.

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.

Lo Family Scholarship

The Lo Family Scholarship Fund was established in 2024 by Frank Lo, second generation owner of long-standing popular Marion restaurant House of Hunan. The Lo Family has been a part of the Marion community for almost 40 years.

The Lo Scholarship supports students who, like them, are first generation Americans and immigrants to the United States. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident. This scholarship is open to students who have attended a high school in Marion County for at least two years and maintained a GPA or 2.5 or greater.

Special consideration is given to applicants pursuing a career in the fields of hospitality, culinary, or nursing and health care.

The Ken and Eileen Gross Memorial Scholarship, established by friends of the couple, supports Saginaw County high school seniors pursuing a teaching degree. With a focus on fostering education, this scholarship honors Ken, a dedicated educator, and Eileen, a successful property manager. Eligible students must demonstrate a minimum 3.0 GPA and financial need, ensuring that those committed to teaching can pursue their aspirations. Awards typically range from $500 to $4,000, empowering the next generation of educators.

The Emma Jean Frierson Memorial Nursing Scholarship, offered by the Saginaw Community Foundation, supports Michigan residents pursuing an undergraduate degree or vocational training in nursing. This scholarship honors Emma Jean Frierson, a dedicated LPN and nursing program graduate who positively impacted her community. With awards ranging from $500 to $4,000, the scholarship aims to help students in financial need access quality education in nursing, a vital field with growing demand.

The Guadalupe “Lupe” Gomez Memorial Scholarship, established by Lupe's family after her passing in 2009, honors her legacy of dedication and service in education and the community. This scholarship supports students from Saginaw County who demonstrate hard work and self-motivation, particularly those pursuing Career and Technical Education (CTE) or other degrees. With awards ranging from $500 to $4,000, it aims to empower the next generation of skilled workers in various trades.

The AbbVie Foundation Health Equity Accelerator seeks innovative solutions to enhance healthcare access for underserved communities. This program empowers nonprofit organizations by providing mentorship, resources, and financial support, including a $10,000 stipend for participants and a $50,000 grant for the best solution. By fostering community-led initiatives, the accelerator aims to address health disparities and improve the quality of care through tailored, grassroots approaches. Applications are encouraged from organizations rethinking care delivery models.

The Peter S. Slomianyj Scholarship Fund offers financial assistance to Subway employees and their children who meet specific eligibility criteria, including a minimum of 500 work hours over the past year and a GPA of 2.0 in high school or 2.5 in college. Applications for this scholarship will be open from December 16, 2025, to March 3, 2026. It is part of a broader initiative by the North Carolina Community Foundation to support students pursuing education at various institutions.

The Luck Companies Foundation Grants aim to foster long-term positive impact in communities through values-based leadership and environmental stewardship. Established to support community growth, the foundation matches donations from associates and provides grants to purpose-driven organizations. It collaborates with local leaders and institutions to turn visions into reality, ensuring that their contributions benefit communities for decades. By reviewing requests quarterly, they prioritize initiatives that align with their mission and emphasize sustainable community development.

The Flegenheimer Family Scholarship, established in 1998 by Marjorie and Ernest Flegenheimer, aims to support Saginaw County students in furthering their education. With a strong belief in the value of higher education, the scholarship encourages students to pursue careers in various fields, especially those in Career and Technical Education (CTE). Awards typically range from $500 to $4,000, and eligibility includes a minimum 2.0 GPA and residency in Saginaw County.

The Helen Elbert Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors planning to major in music, particularly piano. Established in 1989, the Foundation has a strong commitment to education and community support. This scholarship is not based on financial need and will provide one year of assistance to students attending any college in the United States. It aims to empower young musicians to pursue their educational dreams.

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.

Eddie Shelton Agricultural Scholarship

The Eddie Shelton Agricultural Scholarship was created in 2011 by M. Joan Shelton to memorialize her late husband, Eddie (1938-2010). Born in Kentucky, Eddie moved to Marion in the early 1940s. Following his graduation from Harding High School, he worked for the National Cash Register Company and Ohio Edison, as well as served in Army, before finding his true passion in farming.

In 1967, he married Joan, having met on a blind date, and helped work his father-in-law’s farm. This “city boy turned farmer” raised livestock and grain and the couple became the first family in Marion County to join the Ohio Farmland Preservation Act, ensuring that their farm could only be used for agricultural purposes.

Eddie was an enthusiast of Model A Fords and John Deere tractors. He loved travel, golfing, hunting, fishing, and “most everything” about farming and the outdoors. His scholarship supports students from any Marion area high school pursuing a career in agriculture.

The Gary L. and Florence G. DeShano Family Scholarship, managed by the Saginaw Community Foundation, supports Saginaw County high school graduates pursuing careers in construction or related fields. Established to honor the legacy of Gary and Florence DeShano, this scholarship emphasizes the importance of Career and Technical Education (CTE) and aims to alleviate financial barriers for students. Award amounts typically range from $500 to $4,000, fostering growth in skilled trades.

Steve's Foundation Grant is a small private funding opportunity providing grants between $500 and $5,000, averaging $2,600. It supports organizations that empower disadvantaged individuals, focusing on cost-effective programs that yield significant impacts. The foundation prioritizes proposals from non-profits that directly assist those in need, especially children and marginalized communities. Applications are evaluated annually in May or June, but due to high demand, the foundation cannot respond to every inquiry.

The Hebert Memorial Scholarship, established by Jacquelyn and Donald Hebert, aims to support Saginaw County residents pursuing higher education. With a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0, this scholarship is available to graduating high school seniors and current college students enrolled full-time. The Heberts, who valued education and community service, created this fund to help students achieve their academic goals, reflecting their commitment to enhancing the lives of local youth.

The Accelerating Impact for Hard-to-Treat Cancers Award, offered by the Children's Cancer Research Fund, focuses on pre-clinical research to enhance treatment outcomes for pediatric cancers that are difficult to treat. The award supports innovative studies, including pilot projects and the development of new technologies. As a nonprofit, CCRF has invested over $235 million in initiatives since 1981, aiming to improve therapies and support for children battling cancer, thereby fostering safer and more effective treatment options.

The Barbara Stone Foundation

Barbara Stone served as a champion for individuals with disabilities and the Foundation strives to continue her legacy. The Barbara Stone Foundation is a 501 (C) 3 non-profit organization based in Greenville County, South Carolina.

Our primary focus is to influence community systems policies and culture to result in equitable opportunities for individuals with disabilities. We do this by identifying gaps in the system, investing in or creating our own innovative programs, leveraging partnerships in the community and through our signature initiative Greenville CAN. Greenville CAN is a multi-stakeholder collective impact coalition focused on creating systemic community change through specific community projects focused on people with disabilities. Through our multi-faceted approach we believe we can achieve our vision of a community where all people with disabilities flourish.

Barbara Stone Community Leadership Award

Barbara Stone was an instrumental leader in the Greenville community when it came to the services and rights of people with disabilities. Her decades-long mission made a profound impact on the quality of life of many people with disabilities in Greenville County. Like Barbara, there are many dedicated individuals in Greenville who still carry on her legacy of service and giving. It is with great pride that the Barbara Stone Foundation has created an annual Community Leadership Award to honor an individual who has shown the same commitment, initiative and spirit. If you know of an individual who you think embodies some of the same characteristics as Ms Stone, we invite you to nominate this person. 

Barbara Stone led efforts to unify community and government leaders to establish day program options for children with disabilities and employment workshops for adults. In 1968, she helped establish a day camp for children and adults with disabilities and special needs which has grown into a wonderful summer camp called Camp Spearhead. Because of her, seeds were planted to establish many services that still exist today. Barbara’s legacy and determination to support individuals’ lives is now carried on through the Foundation which bears her name.

Albert Smith Conservation Scholarship

Albert A. Smith was born in Omer, Mich., in 1913. He began his education in a one room schoolhouse near Omer and successfully completed his first three grades in the first year of school. Upon graduation from Flint Northern High School at age 15, he went on to receive an undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and thereafter a law degree in 1939. In the mid-1950s, he opened a law office in Saginaw that later became the law firm of Smith Bovill, P.C.

Mr. Smith’s love of the law was matched by his interest in the outdoors, and in particular his beloved Ruffed Grouse. He used his rolling farm and woods to entertain his friends, clients and courtroom adversaries. He was a consummate host to anyone who shared his love for the hunt.

Al was generous with his time and resources. He supported and served on the boards of his favorite charities and civic groups, including the Salvation Army, the Ruffed Grouse Society where he served as national president, the Samaritan Center and First Congregational Church. In 1976, he was recognized for his outstanding conservation work when he received the Wildlife Conservationist of the Year Award from the Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

The Eliminating Disparities in Childhood Cancers Award, offered by the Children’s Cancer Research Fund, supports innovative research aimed at reducing health disparities in childhood cancer. This initiative prioritizes proposals that identify modifiable risk factors and mechanisms of disparities, emphasizing the importance of improving access to care and treatment outcomes. With over $235 million invested since 1981, CCRF is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for children and families affected by cancer.