Best Grants for BIPOC in Washington

The Dr. Mathikere and Lily Rajachar Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 1998, supports Battle Creek area residents pursuing education and training. Founded by Lily Rajachar in memory of her husband, Dr. Mathikere Rajachar, this fund emphasizes leadership, ambition, and a commitment to education. It particularly encourages women interested in S.T.E.M. careers, ensuring they receive the necessary support to succeed. The Battle Creek Community Foundation manages this scholarship to create lasting community benefits.

The Hearst Journalism Awards Program, established in 1960, offers substantial support for journalism education through competitive scholarships totaling up to $700,000. This prestigious program includes various competitions covering writing, photojournalism, audio, television, and multimedia, allowing students from ACEJMC-accredited institutions to showcase their talents. Additionally, the Hearst Foundation promotes educational and charitable initiatives across the country, contributing over a billion dollars to various fields. This program encourages the next generation of journalists to excel in their craft.

Brandon Wade Minier Memorial Scholarship

The Brandon Wade Minier Memorial Scholarship was established in 2012 to celebrate the life of Brandon Wade Minier. He was a young man of extraordinary talent and personality, who tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident on April 26, 2009.

Brandon’s future was full of promise and success due in great part to his training as a journeyman electrician and his position as an apprentice instructor with the joint apprenticeship and training committee of Local Union #305 IBEW and the Fort Wayne Division, Central Indiana, Chapter NECA (referred to in short as the Fort Wayne Electrical JATC).

This scholarship may be used towards tuition, books, supplies, or any other school related expense in relation to the awarded individuals educational needs.

This scholarship is available to an individual from Whitley County, who is continuing their education in a trade and vocational school, such as but not limited to electrical, plumbing, mechanical, beauty, and culinary arts school.

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.

Our Story

The IBMA Foundation was created by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2007 with a bequest from the Richard Barnhart estate. Mr. Barnhart was a musician from northern Virginia who loved bluegrass and wanted to support educational programs for children. Since the beginning, our goal has been to support bluegrass-music-related educational, literary, artistic and historic preservation activities.

In our early years we produced Discover Bluegrass, an educational video that has been used in thousands of classrooms and libraries around the world. We have hosted dozens of teacher workshops and artist trainings. We created a bluegrass lesson plan competition and provided a network for leaders of after-school bluegrass programs.

Our project grants, which now total $25,000 a year, support bluegrass-related initiatives throughout the world. We also fund Bluegrass in the Schools Mini-grants ($7,000/year) which help schools to hire bluegrass bands for school programs. The Rosenberg Bluegrass Scholar Award recognizes excellence in academic research. Six college scholarships are granted for students working in various areas of the bluegrass music industry. The Arnold Shultz Fund supports increased participation of people of color in bluegrass music with grants that total $30,000/ year. Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants for Young Musicians (age 18 and younger) help young people go to bluegrass music camps and workshops, take lessons, and purchase educational materials.

The Sally Ann Forrester Scholarship

The Sally Ann Forrester College Scholarship is a $1,000 – $2,000 scholarship awarded to a female bluegrass musician. Students may be majoring in any subject, including bluegrass music. The IBMA Foundation administers the scholarship, which is funded by an endowment at the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Sally Ann Forrester played accordion and sang as a member of Bill Monroe and His Blue Grass Boys from 1943-1946, thus becoming the first female professional bluegrass musician in history.

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.

Ty Larson Fuller Scholarship Fund

The Ty Larson Fuller Scholarship Fund was established by the Fuller family and the Family Enrichment Center to honor the life of Ty Larson Fuller. Ty, was a young man with a determined spirit, who despite many challenges in his life, fought the odds to reach his goals. He also valued being a team player, building skills, and spending time with his family. This scholarship supports foster, adoptive, and kinship students under the age of 26 as they pursue higher education in the skilled trades.

Jerry Walker Memorial Scholarship

The Jerry Walker Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in Jerry’s honor, to partner with Whitley County young people whom Jerry cared deeply about. Jerry served on The Center’s Board of Directors for more than 6 years, and was a passionate volunteer, donor, and advocate for helping young people find hope and equipping them to thrive in life.

This scholarship is available to any person that has have been an active After-School SERVE participant for 2 or more semesters and will be attending any post-secondary schooling.

This Scholarship is due March 1st of each year.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – Saginaw Alumni Scholarship

Kappa Alpha Psi, an international college fraternity, was founded in 1911 and has more than 600 functioning undergraduate and alumni chapters. The motto of the fraternity is “achievement in every field of human endeavor.” Fashioning achievement as its purpose, Kappa Alpha Psi continues to unite college men of patriotism and honor in a bond of fraternity.

The Kappa Instructional Leadership League is a male youth group consisting of area high school students. The youth group is sponsored by the Saginaw Alumni Chapter in accordance with the fraternity’s National Guide Right Program.

The Saginaw Alumni Chapter has established a scholarship program in recognition and memory of the following men who were devoted and dedicated members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity: Lee Arthur, Sr., John Gibson Jr., Dr. Vernal Cambridge and George Carter, Sr.

The Creative Economy Fund offers vital support to digital creators and entertainment professionals affected by the LA Wildfires. Catering to individuals in film, music, and performing arts, this fund provides assistance for those who have experienced home loss or damage. Eligible applicants include direct creators, employees of talent agencies, and other creative professionals, ensuring a broad reach within the entertainment community. With a focus on personalized resources and guidance, the fund aims to foster resilience in a challenging industry.

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.

Teresa Sue Davis Memorial Scholarship Fund

Teresa Sue Davis was born and raised in Battle Creek. Her name is not well-known, nor is she lauded for large philanthropic donations to the community. But like so many other city residents, she left an unforgettable mark on her family and the lives of others. Some may consider her contributions small. To those she touched, they were immeasurable. She was a 1984 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School and held many jobs in the community. No job was perhaps more important than as a mother, where she often selflessly pushed her children to achieve their life goals. This scholarship was established as a helping hand to graduates of Battle Creek Public Schools so that they may pursue their dreams of higher education.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Jerrold E. Potts Scholarship

Jerrold E. Potts was born and raised in Saginaw, living here until his death in 1997. An electrician by trade, he served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves. Jerry was a longtime member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local #557. He was also a member of the Saginaw Lodge #77, F&AM, where he twice served as Worshipful Master.

Jerry was a caring, compassionate person who supported many causes, often anonymously. When establishing the Jerrold E. Potts Scholarship, Jerry indicated that the primary scholarship beneficiaries should be the children and grandchildren of IBEW 557 members because “I started there.” He also wanted the scholarship to “make the difference between going to school and not going to school.”

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

John L. & Alice M. Holden Education Endowment Fund

The Holden Endowment Fund was established in 1997 upon the transfer of three trusts administered by Merchants National Bank of Aurora in the name of the couple.

The resulting fund provides income for the educational needs of Aurora students.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

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.

Stetler - Piper Family Scholarship Fund

The Stetler – Piper Family Scholarship Fund was established for the purpose of providing scholarships to graduates of Calhoun County High Schools or adult residents of Calhoun County pursuing post-secondary educational opportunities.

This grant aims to address drug shortages by exploring the landscape of products susceptible to health fraud and finding ways for outsourcing facilities to fulfill these needs. By funding research and development, the initiative seeks to enhance the production of critical medications, thereby stabilizing the drug supply chain and protecting public health from fraud-related risks.

The South Carolina Farm Bureau Foundation offers scholarships to students pursuing degrees in agriculture or related fields. Awarded based on character, leadership, and dedication, these scholarships support rising college sophomores, juniors, and seniors from farm families or farm-oriented backgrounds. The selection process is managed by the Foundation's Scholarship Committee, ensuring alignment with established guidelines. This initiative aims to foster future leaders in agriculture and enhance educational opportunities in this vital sector.

The International Research Scientist Development Award (IRSDA) supports U.S. postdoctoral researchers and junior faculty to engage in mentored research and career development in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This initiative promotes collaboration with local researchers, enhancing understanding of the research environment and strengthening international networks. Recipients are expected to spend significant time at LMIC sites, ultimately aiming to develop competitive NIH research proposals and become leaders in global health.

Communities Foundation of Oklahoma

The Communities Foundation of Oklahoma stems from the vision of Tom McCasland Jr., and Gene Rainbolt. Two decades ago, these gentlemen formed a shared vision to create a single philanthropic organization to serve the charitable needs to rural communities across the great state of Oklahoma. Today, CFO has grown to assist hundreds of efforts in more than 45 counties.

Scholarship Opportunities

CFO offers over 100 diverse scholarship opportunities, empowering students across the state to pursue their educational goals. Each scholarship is tailored to meet unique needs, making higher education more accessible for all.

Imo Scheidt Memorial Scholarship

Provides a scholarship to graduating seniors who have been or are in the Foster Care System and have a minimum GPA of 2.5 unweighted.

Communities Foundation of Oklahoma

The Communities Foundation of Oklahoma stems from the vision of Tom McCasland Jr., and Gene Rainbolt. Two decades ago, these gentlemen formed a shared vision to create a single philanthropic organization to serve the charitable needs to rural communities across the great state of Oklahoma. Today, CFO has grown to assist hundreds of efforts in more than 45 counties.

Scholarship Opportunities

CFO offers over 100 diverse scholarship opportunities, empowering students across the state to pursue their educational goals. Each scholarship is tailored to meet unique needs, making higher education more accessible for all.

Cindy's Angel Endowed Scholarship

Provides a renewable scholarship to students from Little Axe HS, Checotah HS, Seminole HS and Dallas Champions Academy. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.0. 

Communities Foundation of Oklahoma

The Communities Foundation of Oklahoma stems from the vision of Tom McCasland Jr., and Gene Rainbolt. Two decades ago, these gentlemen formed a shared vision to create a single philanthropic organization to serve the charitable needs to rural communities across the great state of Oklahoma. Today, CFO has grown to assist hundreds of efforts in more than 45 counties.

Scholarship Opportunities

CFO offers over 100 diverse scholarship opportunities, empowering students across the state to pursue their educational goals. Each scholarship is tailored to meet unique needs, making higher education more accessible for all.

Bulldog Ben and Marcia Robinson Scholarship

Provides a scholarship to graduating seniors in Muskogee County who have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and 22 ACT score.

The Learning & Leadership Grants support educators in enhancing their professional development and leadership skills. With funding up to $5,000, these grants are available for individual educators or groups pursuing high-quality learning experiences such as conferences and seminars. Eligible applicants must be current members of the National Education Association. These grants aim to empower educators to implement innovative practices in their classrooms, ultimately benefiting students and the educational community.

Communities Foundation of Oklahoma

The Communities Foundation of Oklahoma stems from the vision of Tom McCasland Jr., and Gene Rainbolt. Two decades ago, these gentlemen formed a shared vision to create a single philanthropic organization to serve the charitable needs to rural communities across the great state of Oklahoma. Today, CFO has grown to assist hundreds of efforts in more than 45 counties.

Scholarship Opportunities

CFO offers over 100 diverse scholarship opportunities, empowering students across the state to pursue their educational goals. Each scholarship is tailored to meet unique needs, making higher education more accessible for all.

Brian Crawford Memorial Scholarship

Provides a scholarship for Oklahomans who attended high school at Prague, Paden, Seminole, Shawnee, Meeker, Choctaw, Dale, Tecumseh, Bethel or Chandler in Oklahoma or have played in the Brian Crawford Memorial Tournament.

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.

Lou and Diane Gerard Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is open to all majors, with priority given to students majoring in Liberal Studies, Elementary Education, or Early Childhood Education.

Lou and Diane Gerard Scholarship Fund honors long-time citizens of Redding, Lou and Diane Gerard, who made Northern California their home since 1959. Both were compassionate former teachers with a devotion to community service. They were members of numerous nonprofit boards and organizations over their lifetimes, including a combined 89 years on Redding area school boards. With unwavering dedication, Lou and Diane Gerard were committed to the advancement of educational opportunities for all.

This endowed fund provides scholarship opportunities for those seeking to further their education. 

Communities Foundation of Oklahoma

The Communities Foundation of Oklahoma stems from the vision of Tom McCasland Jr., and Gene Rainbolt. Two decades ago, these gentlemen formed a shared vision to create a single philanthropic organization to serve the charitable needs to rural communities across the great state of Oklahoma. Today, CFO has grown to assist hundreds of efforts in more than 45 counties.

Scholarship Opportunities

CFO offers over 100 diverse scholarship opportunities, empowering students across the state to pursue their educational goals. Each scholarship is tailored to meet unique needs, making higher education more accessible for all.

Alva Hospital Authority Scholarship

Provides a scholarship to graduating seniors from the Share Medical Center service area: Woods County, Oklahoma; Alfalfa County, Oklahoma; Barber County, Kansas who best meet the criteria. In partnership with the Share Medical Center Foundation.

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.

Athens Area Community Foundation Scholarship Fund

The Athens Area Community Foundation (AACF) was created by and for the residents of the community and, therefore, belongs to everyone in this community! Athens Area Community Foundation responds to our changing needs, including developing postsecondary education scholarships. The AACF Scholarship is for graduating seniors and graduates of Athens High School, or current Athens area residents, who wish to seek postsecondary education and have a grade point average of 2.5 or above.

The Veterans Legacy Grants Program (VLGP) offers funding up to $400,000 to eligible entities for cemetery research related to Veterans’ interred in national, State, or Tribal cemeteries. It aims to create educational materials promoting community engagement and understanding of Veterans' histories. Administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the program provides resources for educational institutions to enhance public knowledge and appreciation of Veterans’ contributions and legacies.

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.

Barton Farm Co. Scholarship Fund

The Barton Farm Company Scholarship was established in 2007 by the Barton family. This scholarship was established in appreciation for the support of the Homer community. The Barton family feels very fortunate that they have been able to employ talented students from the Homer area. The Barton's believe strongly in the importance of education and the continued excellence of our local schools.

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.

Blanche Barr Trone Scholarship Fund

Blanche Barr Trone (1892 – 1985) by her Last Will and Testament established a Trust for scholarships for needy students attending college or institutions for advanced training. Mrs. Trone operated a pharmacy in Battle Creek for many years and was vitally interested in helping young people further their education.