Best Grants for Teachers in South Dakota

The American Academy of Optometry Foundation

The American Academy of Optometry (AAOF) is an association of optometric professionals who strive to stay at the top of their field. You will find like-minded colleagues within the American Academy of Optometry, an organization committed to promoting the art and science of vision care through lifelong learning.

The Academy’s membership is comprised of optometrists, vision scientists, and other qualified professionals who have committed themselves to the rigorous process required to achieve its prestigious designation, Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO).

For more than a century, the Academy has provided Fellows access to the best minds in optometry, vision science, research, and more. Today’s Fellows welcome the opportunity to attend the Academy’s premiere event, its annual meeting. Other members include students, residents, and Candidates for Fellowship.

Each fall attendees from around the world gather for thousands of hours of continuing education and exposure to the most recent research, networking, and latest products and services. Fellows particularly value the opportunity to connect with colleagues and mentors while enjoying an exceptional level of camaraderie.

OD to PhD Scholarship Program

The OD/PhD Scholarship Program funds optometrists receiving a PhD in eye and vision related fields. Examples of appropriate PhD programs include but are not limited to: Vision Science, Physiological Optics, Biomedical Sciences, Public Health, Education (emphasis on Optometric Education), Neuroscience, and Psychology. The program provides vital support to those who will teach and lead the next generation of optometry students and advance the profession’s cutting-edge research.

The American Academy of Optometry Foundation is proud to partner with EssilorLuxottica to offer the OD to PhD Fellowship, an opportunity created to support optometrists who are ready to take the next step into vision science research. This fellowship is open to individuals who have completed or are completing the clinical training required for the optometry degree and who are enrolling in a PhD program in vision science or a related biomedical discipline.

This competitive fellowship provides financial support during the early years of doctoral training. Awardees receive funding in their first year and may receive additional support in the second year based on successful academic and research progress as detailed in their annual progress report.

Note, awardees may receive the fellowship for up to one successive, two-year period. 

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. 

Stephen A. Johnston Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a college sophomore, junior, or senior or a graduate student who is majoring in plant pathology or has demonstrated an interest in vegetable crop production or a related field. Preference will be given to a student who can demonstrate evidence of an association with the Rutgers University Agricultural Research and Extension Center.

Washington County Community Foundation

The Washington County Community Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life in Washington County by promoting and facilitating philanthropy. We accomplish this by assuming four philanthropic roles of Grantmaker, Donor Service Organization, Fundraiser, and Community Leader. 

Fostering philanthropy by offering charitable gifting opportunities to donors on an individualized basis and at reasonable fees, we make charitable giving easier, more satisfying, and more effective. We broadly support the Washington County community by awarding grants in eight focus areas as follows: Animal Welfare, Arts & Humanities, Community Improvement & Economic Development, Conservation & Environment, Education, Health & Fitness, Human Needs, and Religion & Faith.

Washington County Visiting Nurses Scholarship Fund

The Foundation provides a limited number of need-based and merit-based scholarships to qualifying students attending a graduate school or other educational institution.

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.

James D. Eunice Legacy Scholarship

For graduating seniors from a high school located in South Georgia within the service area of CFSGA who have attained at least a 2.5 GPA in high school. Awards are based on academics, leadership qualities, extracurricular school activities, character, community service and personal integrity, and financial need.

Hardin Medical and Dental Staff Memorial Scholarship

A graduating high school senior residing in Breckinridge, Grayson, Green, Hardin, Hart, LaRue, Meade, Nelson or Taylor Counties.

The NCI CURE Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (K08) aims to support individuals with clinical doctoral degrees in developing research careers that address national health-related needs. This program focuses on enhancing the research capabilities of underrepresented clinical scientists in cancer research, including health disparities. Awardees receive protected time for supervised research training, preparing them to compete for future research project grants. Key deadlines for applications span from February 2025 to October 2027.

This Community Foundation was created by and for the people of Washington County MD, and exists to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, now and for generations to come, by building community endowments, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

Washington County Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Scholarship

Founded by alumni of Washington County Hospital’s School of Nursing, this fund serves to provide scholarships to deserving students who are continuing their education in Nursing.

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 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.

Latino Breakfast Club Scholarship Fund   

To support graduating Latino high school seniors from Hampden County.

Additional Guidelines

Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.

Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.

Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

The Cushing Scholarship was created in 2014. According to Marsha, “We are not as interested in a student’s financial status as we are on how they look at life.”

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

PNM Pueblo Education Endowment Scholarship

The purpose of the PNM Pueblo Education Endowment Scholarship is to provide financial assistance to students from one of the nineteen Pueblo Nations of New Mexico who are pursuing a certificate, vocational trade, or degree.

This program will award 15 scholarships per academic year. This opportunity is a merit-based award.

Armstrong County Community Foundation (The Community Foundation Serving the Heart of Western Pennsylvania)

In 1997 Merchants National Bank, an Armstrong County community bank, marked its 100th anniversary. The centennial celebration included a unique expression of gratitude to the community in the form of $100,000 to be used as a seed fund to initiate a community foundation for Armstrong County. The bank challenged the community to keep the principal balance of the endowed funds intact and spend only a portion of the interest earnings to ensure a lasting legacy.

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Stephen L. Heffner Memorial Scholarship

Stephen Heffner gave so much of his life to others. His passion for educating the youth of our community will have a lasting impact on countless lives. This scholarship was created to continue providing a positive impact on students’ lives. 

The Dakota Alliance Soccer Club Student Athlete Scholarship, managed by the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, offers financial support to graduating seniors from Sioux Falls high schools. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and participate in soccer. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities by supplementing existing financial aid, making it easier for students to pursue their dreams of higher education.

Florence and Jack Sims Memorial Scholarship

The Florence and Jack Sims Memorial Scholarship Fund was established at the North Georgia Community Foundation in 2014. The Sims were active participants and supporters of their communities and the Baptist Church in White, Hall, and Oglethorpe Counties. Their Christian beliefs led them to follow Christ’s teaching in Matthew 22: v37-40 – to first love God and second to love thy neighbor as thyself. The Fund was established by their three children- Jackie, Michael, and Hal- to honor their faith and memory.

Recipients must attend a high school located in Hall County or White County, GA, or be homeschooled students residing in Hall County or White County, GA, and plan to attend an accredited U.S. college or university. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and should demonstrate active involvement in extracurricular and/or community activities such as volunteering, work, and church activities. In 2026, one scholarship award of $2,000 will be offered.

The Fox Family Foundation Grant focuses on empowering individuals with disabilities through workforce development, education, and advocacy. By promoting accessibility and inclusion, the foundation creates opportunities for differently-abled individuals to thrive in their careers. With a commitment to innovative programs and partnerships, it seeks to bridge the gap in funding for disability initiatives, ensuring equitable access to meaningful careers and education for all.

Norma B. Summerville Scholarship Foundation Fund

Established to provide annual scholarships to female graduates of Akron Public Schools attending an accredited four-year institution of higher education.

Amount:

• $3,333

Number of awards:

• 4

Renewal:

• Renewable for three additional years. Must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.

The OTA Young Investigator Research Grant aims to support early-career orthopedic trauma surgeons within five years of fellowship completion by providing $35,000 over two years. This funding promotes mentored research and development in orthopaedic trauma, encouraging innovative projects that demonstrate clinical relevance. Collaborating with AO Trauma North America and COIRI, the OTA facilitates access to resources like mentoring programs and grant libraries, fostering leadership and excellence in research and education.

York County Community Foundation

York County Community Foundation was founded in 1961 by generous visionaries who saw an opportunity to perpetually support their community by pooling charitable giving, investing it to grow over time and make grants to charity from the earnings on the pooled fund. It wasn’t until 1991 that the Community Foundation made a real push to build its assets so that it could become the kind of leading organization it is today. Donors are the crux of our existence; they are the reason we have been so successful over the years. Today, thanks to encouragement from many community leaders, we have enhanced our mission to include being a community leader and changemaker by working with community stakeholders to leverage our grantmaking and expertise for powerful community improvement.

Field of Study Scholarships

Through the Community Foundation, our donors have established scholarship funds focused on a specific field of study. Each scholarship expresses our donors' deep commitment to helping York County students achieve their educational goals.

Robert R. Anderson Family Fund

This scholarship was created for students pursuing undergraduate and graduate studies related to agriculture who live in York County.

About Samaritan Health Services

We’re a nonprofit network of hospitals, clinics and health services caring for more than 290,000 residents in the mid-Willamette Valley and central Oregon Coast and portions of Marion and Polk counties. We work together to provide highly reliable and innovative medicine with world-class quality in a way that supports the values of the communities we serve. That includes caring for all people, regardless of their ability to pay.

Health Education Scholarships

One of the many keys to maintaining a healthy, prosperous community is ensuring a sustainable supply of excellent health care providers. To achieve this, Samaritan Health Services offers numerous scholarships to local students pursuing careers as doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, as well continuing education or specialty training for current medical providers.

Each year, Samaritan awards more than $25,000 in scholarships for health care education to ensure the communities we serve receive the best care possible well into the future.

Nursing Excellence Scholarship

The Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center Nursing Excellence Scholarship was established in 2013 in honor/memory of outstanding Registered Nurses (RNs) at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis, Oregon.

The Nursing Excellence Scholarship is available to eligible students pursuing RN, BSN or MSN degrees who show leadership and clinical expertise and excellence. At least one scholarship is awarded for tuition, books and school fees.

The Combined Pilot Research Grants from the Plastic Surgery Foundation and the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons aim to promote innovative research in maxillofacial surgery. With funding of up to $15,000 for one-year pilot projects, this initiative supports the preliminary phases of research, fostering the development of surgeon scientists and enhancing scientific knowledge in the field. Eligible applicants include MDs, DOs, or PhDs holding full-time positions in U.S. or Canadian institutions.

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

Richard & Dolla Squires Memorial Music Scholarship

Open to graduating high school seniors pursuing a degree in music and demonstrating financial need. 

Award Amount:

• $1,000 

The Cogley-Buffington Certified Property and Casualty Underwriters Fund offers scholarships managed by the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, which awards over $500,000 annually to local students. Eligible applicants are graduating seniors from South Dakota, southwest Minnesota, or northwest Iowa, with a GPA of 3.5 or higher, involvement in extracurriculars, and a demonstrated financial need. Scholarships can be used for tuition and course-related expenses, but not for-profit institutions.

The Benny Summerlin Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, offers financial assistance to deserving students from Franklin County High School pursuing undergraduate degrees. Established to support capable individuals, this scholarship emphasizes academic potential and financial need. The foundation, active since 1988, administers various scholarships to uplift the educational aspirations of local youth. For more information on eligibility and application processes, interested students should contact the foundation directly.

About Samaritan Health Services

We’re a nonprofit network of hospitals, clinics and health services caring for more than 290,000 residents in the mid-Willamette Valley and central Oregon Coast and portions of Marion and Polk counties. We work together to provide highly reliable and innovative medicine with world-class quality in a way that supports the values of the communities we serve. That includes caring for all people, regardless of their ability to pay.

Health Education Scholarships

One of the many keys to maintaining a healthy, prosperous community is ensuring a sustainable supply of excellent health care providers. To achieve this, Samaritan Health Services offers numerous scholarships to local students pursuing careers as doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, as well continuing education or specialty training for current medical providers.

Each year, Samaritan awards more than $25,000 in scholarships for health care education to ensure the communities we serve receive the best care possible well into the future.

Nurse Education Scholarship

The Nurse Education Scholarship is intended to provide financial support for the continued education of an individual who desires to further their career in the nursing field. The scholarship’s purpose is to support caregivers and Certified Nurse Assistants (CNA) who are pursuing ongoing education. The funds will be sent directly to the college for the student’s tuition and other expenses. 

The Veterans' Scholarships, established by the American Australian Association, provide financial support to post-9/11 military veterans from Australia and the USA. Scholarships of up to $40,000 are available for those pursuing full-time undergraduate studies in the respective countries. Since 2017, over $2.8 million has been awarded, fostering educational opportunities that enhance skills and promote successful careers after military service. Eligibility criteria include being an honorably discharged veteran and planning to study full-time.

The Veterans' Scholarships program, established by the American Australian Association, offers financial support to post-9/11 military veterans from Australia and the USA for graduate studies. With over $2.8 million awarded, eligible veterans can receive up to $40,000 for tuition, travel, and living expenses. This initiative fosters educational opportunities and career development, encouraging veterans to pursue their academic goals in each other's countries.

The David and Jacquie Clark Family Fund, established in 2017, aims to support individuals with special needs and their families through grants to nonprofits. With a focus on Ohio organizations, the fund seeks to ensure equitable opportunities for these individuals, fostering their success and well-being. Since its inception, the fund has provided assistance to over 30 nonprofits across the U.S., enhancing programs that promote learning and growth outside traditional educational settings.

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

Stanislaus Futures Scholarship

Open to current graduating Stanislaus County high school seniors participating in a college readiness and/or mentorship program and pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree from an accredited post-secondary institution. Must be a first gen college student and demonstrate financial need.

Award Amount:

• $1,000–$3,000 

Stanislaus Futures is generously supported, in part, by an anonymous fundholder, The Arthur T. and Corinne K. Shields Fund, The Zwahlen Family Fund, the NOZ Fund, and the Virgil A. Farquhar, Jr. Trust. Scholarships are renewable up to 2 years.