Best Quality of Life Grants in Virgin Islands

We award over 120 scholarships each year to Monroe County residents. Whether you’re heading to college, pursuing a technical career, or furthering your education as an adult, there’s a scholarship for you. 

Community Foundation of Monroe County Scholarship

For adult Monroe County residents pursuing skilled trades training.

The AUA Boston Scientific Medical Student Innovation Fellowship, funded by the American Urological Association, aims to nurture future urologic researchers. This fellowship offers a $20,000 stipend for a 12-month research project, engaging medical students in innovative urology research under expert mentorship. The initiative addresses the pressing need for skilled professionals in the urologic research field, ensuring a robust pipeline of talent dedicated to advancing patient care and scientific discovery in urology.

Alger Regional Community FoundationThe Alger Regional Community Foundation (ARCF) is a locally based 501(C)(3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Alger County through grants and scholarships.ARCF is a unique institution. It is a permanent, yet flexible, collection of endowment funds contributed by people from all walks of life who want to make a difference in our community.Clarence A. Thunander Endowment Scholarship FundGiven to an Alger County graduate who is continuing his/her education at an institution of higher learning in the medical-related field. The student receiving this award will be required to have completed 50 hours of satisfactory college credit with 10 hours in a medical-related field and provide college transcripts. They must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale. They must be attending an accredited college and pursuing a minimum of a 4-year degree in a medical-related field.

The Researcher Connection Program by Uplifting Athletes Inc. supports travel expenses for rare disease researchers and doctoral students, fostering connections within the rare disease community. It emphasizes health equity by reserving at least 20% of funding for underrepresented researchers. Qualified applicants can receive up to $1,450 for travel costs related to attending relevant conferences and events, enhancing collaboration and awareness in the rare disease field.

The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation offers Teacher Development Grants to support K-12 educators in enhancing their classroom instruction. With grants up to $10,000 per year, individuals or small teams can implement innovative teaching strategies that foster critical inquiry and improve student engagement. This initiative aims to boost educational experiences for diverse learners, encouraging teachers to document and share their methods, ultimately promoting a culture of continuous professional growth.

The NLN Steve Cerame Nurse Educator Scholarship Award supports aspiring nurse educators by providing up to $8,000 annually for master's or doctoral students. This award honors the legacy of NLN's former CFO and aims to facilitate the education of future nursing faculty. Eligible candidates must be NLN members and have completed at least one year of their program. The scholarship focuses on enhancing the nursing workforce and advancing educational excellence in nursing.

The Tyndale House Foundation Grant supports faith-driven organizations that align with their mission to serve both Word and Deed. Focused on high-kingdom impact, this grant funds a variety of projects in areas like literature, training, education, compassion, and discipleship. Eligible applicants must be U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations or have a fiscal sponsor if based internationally. Grants are not available for individuals, scholarships, or political projects.

The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts Grant supports innovative visual arts projects through a diverse grantmaking program. It funds artists and organizations that challenge the status quo and promote inclusivity in the contemporary art landscape. Grants are available for curatorial research, exhibitions, and public programs, encouraging creativity and exploration. The foundation prioritizes projects that reflect the diverse population of the United States and reject bigotry, fostering an environment of free expression and artistic growth.

The AMVETS Veteran, Active Duty & Guard/Reserve Scholarship provides financial assistance up to $12,000 for qualified U.S. Veterans and active military members pursuing undergraduate degrees. This scholarship is designed to bridge the financial gap after all other federal and state aid has been utilized. Eligibility includes being an honorably discharged veteran or active service member, enrolled in an accredited institution, and demonstrating financial need. AMVETS is dedicated to serving those who have served our country.

The MLK Commission Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports current high school seniors from Bexar County who aspire to pursue higher education. This renewable scholarship is available for full-time or part-time undergraduate studies at accredited institutions in the U.S. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate residency and citizenship requirements. The fund aims to empower youth and enhance community growth through educational opportunities.

The MHM Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports full-time students pursuing a career in healthcare. Eligible applicants include graduating Texas high school seniors who are U.S. citizens, exhibit strong academic performance in science, and demonstrate community involvement. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, covering tuition, fees, and books. Since 1964, the foundation has contributed millions to enhance the quality of life in San Antonio through education and community support.

The Marshall O. Bell Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, offers financial assistance to current high school seniors in Bexar County. This scholarship supports students pursuing any area of study, requiring full-time enrollment in an accredited institution. Renewable for up to three years, it aims to alleviate the financial barriers to higher education, assisting students in achieving their academic goals and enhancing their community.

Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge

The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge is a charitable organization that has served the independent cities of Staunton and Waynesboro, and the counties of Augusta, Highland and Nelson since 1992. 

Martin Lightsey Scholarship for Technical Education

The Martin Lightsey Scholarship for Technical Education was established to honor Martin Lightsey and all he achieved in the creation and subsequent success of Specialty Blades, Inc. (Cadence, Inc.), upon his stepping down as CEO of the company in 2002.

Description

The Martin Lightsey Scholarship for Technical Education was established in 2002 to provide funds for college scholarships to seniors residing in Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County, who intend to pursue or are currently pursuing technical education at a two-year or four-year college. Examples of technical education include but are not limited to degrees in engineering, math, chemistry, physics, computer sciences, statistics, and architecture and associate studies in areas such as quality control, process technology, manufacturing technology, machining, electrical and mechanical operations, and information technology.

Cadence, Inc. and the honoree of this scholarship, Martin Lightsey, value the many possible choices in the pursuit of technical education and careers. Many professional roles in the manufacturing sector require highly-specialized training, much of which can be obtained through community colleges. As such, Cadence Inc. and Mr. Lightsey welcome scholarship applications from students pursuing specific industry credentials, associate degrees, and bachelor degrees.

Selection Criteria Used by the Selection Committee

• Academic Merit
• Financial need
• Community service activities
• Leadership ability

The Loretta B. Simpson Scholarship Fund, administered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports full-time students pursuing various degrees in the USA. This renewable scholarship is aimed at high school seniors from the San Antonio area who are involved in community or extracurricular activities. Eligible candidates must maintain a GPA of 2.5 and remain enrolled in accredited educational institutions. The fund emphasizes the importance of education in enhancing community quality of life.

The Judith Markelz Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing various degrees, including associate, bachelor's, and vocational certifications. Open to high school seniors, current college students, and adult learners, it prioritizes applicants with a military connection and a demonstrated financial need. The fund fosters community engagement and aims to enhance educational opportunities for individuals committed to personal and academic growth.

The Joseph, Rose, Myron, and Norman Fink Memorial Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, provides financial assistance to current high school seniors from San Antonio pursuing higher education. This renewable scholarship supports students in all areas of study who demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. Established in 1964, the fund aims to enhance the quality of life through educational opportunities, ensuring that contributions make a lasting impact in the community.

The ILA Exemplary Reading Program Award, presented by the International Literacy Association, recognizes exceptional reading and language arts programs across all grade levels in Canada and the United States. This award aims to highlight outstanding educational efforts that promote literacy improvement and excellence among school staff. Eligible programs must submit comprehensive applications showcasing their entire reading initiatives, serving as models for others. Winning schools gain recognition while contributing to the advancement of literacy education.

The PVA Education Foundation Grant Program, offered by the Paralyzed Veterans of America, supports innovative projects aimed at improving the lives of individuals with spinal cord injury and disease (SCI/D). Grants of up to $75,000 are available for initiatives in consumer education, professional development for healthcare providers, and research translation. This funding enables the development of essential educational tools and resources to enhance health, independence, and quality of life for the SCI/D community.

Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network

The RDCRN was established by Congress under the Rare Diseases Act in 2002. The network is an initiative of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), led by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences through is Division of Rare Diseases Research Innovation (formerly the Office of Rare Diseases Research). It is funded by collaborating NIH institutes, centers, and offices.

Now in its fifth funding cycle, RDCRN supports 20 rare disease research groups (consortia) that partner with 127 affiliated patient advocacy groups. In total, 180 diseases are currently being studied at 273 active clinical sites, both in the United States and internationally.

Developmental Synaptopathies Consortium - Request For Pilot Project Applications

The pilot feasibility core of the Developmental Synaptopathies Consortium (DSC) is pleased to announce that it will fund an estimated $100,000 total costs for a pilot project to stimulate additional research through the DSC NIH grant for one/all of the following disorders: Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), PTEN Hamartoma Syndrome (PHTS), Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (PMS) and SYNGAP 1-related disorders. The funding will be coordinated, dispersed and evaluated for progress through the DSC infrastructure. This project will be a two-year project with half of the funds ($50,000) allocated in each year, starting in October 2026. 

The J. Kent Trinkle Scholarship Fund, offered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports Bexar County high school graduates in pursuing higher education. This scholarship is available for full-time and part-time students across all areas of study, covering tuition and books. Renewable for up to three years, applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5. Since 1964, the foundation has impacted countless lives through its commitment to community enhancement.

The Jimmy and Ethel Harper Scholarship Fund, administered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing any area of study in the USA. Eligible applicants include full-time high school seniors, college students, and graduate students from Bexar County, who demonstrate good citizenship and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. The scholarship is renewable for up to three years and covers tuition, books, and supplies, ensuring that financial need is considered but not a determining factor.

The Jean Y. and Robert W. Fish Memorial Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, offers financial support to high school seniors from Bexar County pursuing higher education. This renewable scholarship covers tuition, fees, and books for students enrolled full-time in accredited colleges or universities. Applicants must demonstrate good citizenship and financial need, with a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 for renewal. Since 1964, this fund has helped many students achieve their educational goals.

Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network

The RDCRN was established by Congress under the Rare Diseases Act in 2002. The network is an initiative of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), led by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences through is Division of Rare Diseases Research Innovation (formerly the Office of Rare Diseases Research). It is funded by collaborating NIH institutes, centers, and offices.

Now in its fifth funding cycle, RDCRN supports 20 rare disease research groups (consortia) that partner with 127 affiliated patient advocacy groups. In total, 180 diseases are currently being studied at 273 active clinical sites, both in the United States and internationally.

Pilot Grant in Pediatric Fungal Disease

Goal

Invites applications for one-year pilot projects that establish feasibility, refine the analytic design, or generate preliminary data to support future studies addressing critical knowledge gaps or improving patient-centered outcomes for pediatric invasive fungal diseases.

Objectives

• Establish feasibility of proposed pediatric IFD studies
• Refine study design or analytic approaches
• Generate preliminary data to strengthen future large-scale research
• Expand and support a diverse investigator community in pediatric IFD research
• Encourage multi-site collaboration and incorporation of patient/caregiver perspectives

Award Description

Awards will provide up to $30,000 (inclusive of direct and indirect costs) for a one-year period. Applicants are encouraged to pursue co-sponsorship with institutional partners, research networks, industry collaborators, or other stakeholders to expand available resources. To receive the award, investigators must submit their full study protocol for approval by the RDCRN. Award recipients will be offered a project management team that meets quarterly to help ensure that progress is consistent with timelines and benchmarks. Funded investigators will also be required to submit quarterly progress reports and an end-of-project report to be reviewed by the Pilot Project Committee.

The U.S. Hillman Prize for Magazine Journalism, awarded by the Sidney Hillman Foundation, recognizes outstanding journalism that serves the common good. Open to global journalists, it requires works to be published in English and accessible to a U.S. audience within the past year. Winners receive a $5,000 honorarium and a certificate at the annual ceremony in New York City. The foundation prioritizes stories with U.S. impact across diverse topics.

The U.S. Hillman Prize for Newspaper Journalism, awarded by the Sidney Hillman Foundation, recognizes outstanding journalism that serves the common good. Open to global journalists, entries must be published in English and accessible to U.S. audiences within the last year. Winners receive a $5,000 honorarium and a certificate at a New York City ceremony. The foundation also honors work related to racial and economic justice through additional awards. Entries should focus on impactful stories.

The Washington Red Raspberry Commission offers research grants to support the advancement of red raspberry cultivation. These grants focus on innovative farming practices, pest management, and cultivar development, aimed at enhancing grower productivity and sustainability. Proposals are evaluated based on their potential impact on the industry, with an emphasis on practical applications. The commission invites researchers from various backgrounds to contribute, ensuring a diverse range of solutions for the challenges faced by raspberry growers.

About

Who We Are

For over 25 years, the Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation has remained committed to leaving a legacy for future generations by promoting philanthropy, providing charitable opportunities, and facilitating donors’ interests. You can trust us to offer expertise in local nonprofit needs and best practices for charitable giving while ensuring your giving goals are met.

Scholarship Opportunities

Royal C. “Bingo” Kinder Scholarship Endowment

The Royal C. "Bingo" Kinder Scholarship Fund was created in 2003 after the passing of Bingo Kinder in 2002. In his will, Mr. Kinder left instructions that portions of his estate be used to support scholarships for the students of Archer County, as well as local grants for Archer County nonprofits. Mr. Kinder graduated from ACHS in 1932 and had a successful track and field career before graduating from the University of North Texas in 1938. Mr. Kinder was a U.S. Navy veteran, a member of the Archer City School Board for 6 years, and a member of the Archer Livestock Association, among others.