Best Grants for Teachers in Washington

The Stickley Scholarship Fund, established by L. & J. G. Stickley, Inc., offers four annual scholarships for graduating high school students who are children of full-time employees with over two years of service. This initiative promotes educational equity by making higher education more accessible, emphasizing the importance of financial need, community service, and academic achievement. Awarded in honor of Edward J. Audi, this scholarship aims to empower students to pursue their academic goals.

The Whitehall Foundation's Grants-in-Aid program supports early-career researchers in the life sciences, specifically in neurobiology. Aimed at assistant professors facing funding challenges, grants do not exceed $30,000 for one year. Applications are evaluated based on scientific merit and innovation. Eligibility requires independence as an investigator and Principal Investigator status. This program fosters research in areas underrepresented by federal funding, highlighting the Foundation's commitment to advancing biological research and supporting young scientists.

Mark Gradeless Welding Scholarship

This award was created in 2021 to honor the life of Mark “Grady” Gradeless. A 1977 graduate of Columbia City Joint High School, he worked at Dana Corporation, where he tirelessly serviced machines from the age of 18 until his retirement. “Grady” was a member of the United Auto Workers, Steelworkers Union and could often be found in his barn fixing something or tinkering. He was known for his daredevil shenanigans, practical jokes, patience, hard work, common sense advice and ability to uplift those around him. “Grady” was an amazing Dad, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather and friend to all who knew and loved him. This award is for a student attending Ivy Tech Community College for the pursuit of a welding certificate.

The Women's Giving Circle of the Kitsap Peninsula, supported by the Kitsap Community Foundation, fosters philanthropy among women, inviting both large and small nonprofit organizations to apply for grants aimed at uplifting women and children. With grant amounts of up to $10,000 for larger organizations and $2,500 for smaller ones, this initiative promotes community collaboration and engagement through meaningful gatherings and collective decision-making, ensuring impactful support for local nonprofits.

The Rapier Education Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports high school seniors and college students pursuing degrees in the USA. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and be enrolled full-time. The fund covers tuition, fees, and books, and is renewable for up to three years. Since 1964, the foundation has awarded millions in grants to enhance community living through education and other initiatives, making a lasting impact on the San Antonio area.

About Us

A Vibrant Region with Opportunity for All

Who We Are

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties is a community-based social impact investor whose mission is to engage, invest, and lead—working toward a vision of community vibrancy with opportunity for all. Our team of experienced staff and dedicated trustees is committed to boldly leading and supporting transformational community investments. We channel charitable contributions from donors through nonprofit partners that are meeting current community needs and steward community resources responsibly to ensure greater capacity for the future.

No organization has all the answers, but together, with our partners and donors, we have the means and the will to chart a new course—one that will build upon generations of philanthropy and strengthen the fabric of Herkimer and Oneida counties.

Scholarship Opportunities

We help those seeking educational opportunities that will enrich their lives—and enhance our community.

Please note that scholarships administered by the Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties are awarded through a variety of different mechanisms, including by school district selection, public application, or through our community partners, such as Utica Dollars for Scholars.

Joey R. Ventura Tradesman Award

Awarded by Connor Arthur Lynskey Memorial Scholarship Fund

Established in memory of Connor Arthur Lynskey, a special young man who was active in his community, excelled academically, was sports-minded and had an extraordinary way about himself. Connor was a graduate of Holland Patent Central School District in 2017. He aspired to be a physician and was attending premedical school when a drunk driver took his life on August 11, 2018. This award is also given in loving memory of Joey R. Ventura (1992-2021), an accomplished welder and welding instructor who unexpectedly passed in July of 2021 at the age of 28 years old.

Candidates are identified through an open application process.

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.

Cosmetology Scholarship

At a very early age in Alabama, Lee Essie Smith was a self-taught musician. After losing her mother as a young teenager, she began putting her God-given musical talent to work as a pianist for several churches. By the time she graduated from high school, she had learned the cosmetology trade and met Charlie McMillan, Jr.

After his wife’s death, Mr. McMillan continued his community service with the Democratic Party, Habitat for Humanity and Mt. Olive Baptist Church as an usher. Although he did not serve very long in the military, Mr. McMillan continues to exemplify the values and physical energy of the “Army Strong” slogan. He is the patriarch of the family – always dapper – and a regular attendee at church services.

The Hart Family Scholarship, established by Todd and Terry Hart, supports students residing in the 1969 Fire District area of the Town of Trenton. It aims to provide educational opportunities for those accepted into accredited colleges, universities, or vocational schools in the U.S. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and must have lived in the area for at least three years. This scholarship reflects a commitment to enhancing community vibrancy through education.

Horizon of Hope Scholarship

Balancing the responsibilities of family and work can be challenging for anyone, but for single parents who want to improve their lives by continuing their education, juggling the added responsibilities can seem downright overwhelming.

The Horizons of Hope Fund was established to recognize and encourage single parents who have returned to school. Created to help lighten the load, Horizons of Hope assistance can be used for tuition expenses, books, supplies, transportation, childcare, or other living expenses.

Up to $500 per semester is available to single parents.

The Gabriel, Joseph and Lila Mandour Karam Scholarship, established by the late Joseph G. Karam, supports educational opportunities for students attending 2-year or 4-year colleges, universities, or vocational schools. Administered by the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, the fund has awarded nearly $60,000 to various nonprofits since 2012. The scholarship reflects a commitment to the dramatic arts and technological development, continuing Joseph's philanthropic legacy and vision for community enrichment.

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.

Clarence A. “Buck” Iles Scholarship

The Clarence A. “Buck” Iles Scholarship was lovingly established by his wife of 65 years, Carrie, to enable a deserving young person to pursue his/her education in the electrical field. Mr. and Mrs. Iles established a successful family-owned and operated electrical contracting company – serving the Saginaw area for more than 25 years. It was in this tradition of hard work, honesty and quality service that the Iles Electric Company, Inc., was founded.

Mr. Iles’ only regret was that he was not able to pursue a formal college education, but he enabled his children and grandchildren to accomplish their educational goals and dreams. Education, combined with dreams and hard work, will create realities. It is hoped that the values, determination and ambition demonstrated by Mr. Iles will be passed on to future generations of electricians as they realize their dreams.

The Georgeann Cowles Eiskamp Memorial Scholarship offers a $2,000 award to a female student who has graduated from a high school within the PVUSD boundaries. Eligible candidates must be majoring in an agriculture-related field and have completed at least two semesters of college. Preference is given to those who have participated in 4-H or FFA or have relevant internships. The scholarship is awarded upon proof of college enrollment.

The BioLEAP Classroom Grants, funded by the National Anti Vivisection Society, support U.S. educators in purchasing humane alternatives to animal dissection. Grants of up to $1,000 are available for innovative learning tools like 3D models and synthetic specimens. This initiative promotes ethical education in anatomy labs, ensuring teachers have access to effective resources while fostering a compassionate approach to learning.

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.

Armin “Bun” and Lorraine Rinness Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Armin “Bun” and Lorraine Rinness Memorial Scholarship Fund honors Armin “Bun” and Lorraine Rinness by supporting Saginaw County students pursuing college or Career and Technical Education (CTE) training. This fund provides need-based assistance to help local students continue their education and achieve long-term success.

The Implementation Awards by PCORI aim to fund projects that translate patient-centered research into real-world practices. With budgets up to $2.5 million for implementation projects lasting up to 48 months, applicants must present a clear plan for broad evidence uptake. Additionally, those proposing implementation projects need an accepted Draft Final Research Report related to their original PCORI-funded research to qualify for funding.

The Laura Brown Memorial Scholarship offers a $4,000 award to students pursuing degrees in agriculture or culinary arts. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of at least 3.5 and reside in Santa Cruz County or Pajaro Valley. The scholarship is awarded upon proof of college enrollment and can be distributed over a maximum of four years. Preference is given to students who have participated in 4-H programs, supporting their educational journey in these fields.

The Link Foundation offers a one-year renewable fellowship of $35,000 for PhD students focusing on Modeling, Simulation, and Training. This funding aims to support advanced research and allow students to work full-time on their projects. Eligibility includes being enrolled in a PhD program at a U.S. or Canadian university, with no citizenship restrictions. Preference is given to candidates who are in candidacy and have a well-defined thesis, ensuring impactful research outcomes.

Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln

The Community Foundation offers many advantages to donors, professional advisors, nonprofit organizations and the community at large. We constantly strive to ensure that the giving process is as streamlined and safe as possible so our donors can focus on the most important aspect of philanthropy - helping others.

Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation serves the counties of Cass, Christian, Logan, Macoupin, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan and Sangamon in central Illinois, and administers an annual scholarship program for approximately 50 scholarship funds.

Fred E. Droste Memorial Scholarship

Graduating senior from a high school in Macoupin or Montgomery Counties who is pursuing a degree in a STEAM-related field.

The Grey Muzzle Organization offers grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 to improve the lives of at-risk senior dogs across the U.S. Since 2008, they have awarded over $2.5 million to shelters and nonprofits focused on senior dog welfare. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations and demonstrate measurable outcomes. The initiative aims to ensure that every senior dog thrives, providing support for foster care, hospice services, and adoption programs.

Bob Brittain Memorial Scholarship/CCHS Alumni Scholarship

Presented by the Columbia City High School Alumni Association

Criteria are the same for a two year degree and four year degree. This scholarship is one-time and non-renewable.

The ideal recipient of this scholarship will be a CCHS graduate who has been actively involved in several extra-curricular activities, major service activities, and have a grade point average reflective of respectable academic growth. This student will have a four year involvement in the activities listed below. This student will also be fully involved in high school classes during the final trimester of the senior 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.

Iles Family Conservation Scholarship

The Iles Family Conservation Scholarship was established by Doug and Sandy Iles in memory of Clarence “Buck” Iles. A lifelong passion for conservation balanced with practical application is what Buck Iles stood for. A very avid sportsman, he was actively involved with leadership in the Michigan United Conservation Club and Saginaw Field and Stream, among others.

For more than 20 years, Buck Iles helped establish and operate the Saginaw Field and Stream Club annual scholarship raffle which supported over 40 different scholarships. Buck passed away in 2005 and this scholarship was established to continue the great raffle tradition that now no longer exists.

Doug and Sandy established this scholarship fund in “Dad’s” memory. Recipients should be students with an active interest in environmental issues. Although not limited to, emphasis will be placed on awarding this scholarship to a resident of Saginaw County. A minimum 3.0 GPA and a student who has the need for educational financial support are key determinants.

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.

Gerald and Inez O’Brien Scholarship

Gerald and Inez O’Brien both grew up in Saginaw County and were married for over 30 years before Gerald passed away at an early age. 

Gerald and Inez both believed strongly in education and supporting family and friends. In addition, they each treasured their lifetime neighbors and knew the importance of building relationships with their community neighbors and enjoying life. 

This scholarship memorial fund was created by their daughter, Ann Pavlik, and son, Dr. Keith O’Brien. The fund will strive to recognize those giving back to the community and those facing challenges head on, even when life throws roadblocks along the way.  

The AVID: Syage Family Scholarship Fund aims to support high school seniors from Orange County, CA, who have been enrolled in the AVID elective class for at least three years. This scholarship, administered by Scholarship America, promotes educational advancement by offering financial assistance for undergraduate studies. Applicants must demonstrate community commitment, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and show financial need, making this opportunity crucial for those seeking to further their education at four-year colleges.

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.

James P. Konieczka Memorial Scholarship

The James P. Konieczka Memorial Scholarship was established by his three children, Bryan, Amy, and Katie, to honor their father’s wishes after his passing in 2016 following a courageous year-long battle with cancer.

Jim believed in the value of a college education, but he also understood that not everyone wants to pursue this post-secondary education path. It was his wish that this scholarship be made available to someone seeking Career and Techincal Education (CTE) training or to someone seeking a traditional college degree.

The AVID: Dad's House Scholarship, administered by Scholarship America, supports high school seniors in Orange County who have participated in the AVID program for at least three years. With an estimated award of $3,000 for undergraduate studies, applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a GPA of 2.5. The scholarship encourages community commitment and aims to assist those planning to enroll full-time at accredited four-year institutions.

The Pat Shinobu Scholarship Fund, established in 2015 by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, aims to support students from Hawai‘i pursuing higher education. Eligible applicants must be full-time undergraduate students with a minimum GPA of 2.7, demonstrate financial need, and provide a recommendation letter. Preference is given to public high school graduates from Hawai'i Island and previous recipients who maintain eligibility. This fund fosters educational opportunities and equity within the community.

The AVID Scholarship Fund, managed by Scholarship America, supports high school seniors in Orange County, CA, who are enrolled in the AVID elective for at least three years. Eligible students must plan to attend a four-year college and demonstrate financial need, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The scholarship emphasizes community commitment and is available through a single application for multiple funds.