Our General Application Scholarships

ONE APPLICATION, 400+ NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarship applications for the 2024-2025 academic year are now closed.

Completing one online application enters you in the selection process for more than 80 need-based scholarship funds.

These are the materials you'll need for the application:

  • List of awards and volunteer/employment/extracurricular activities/family responsibilities
  • An statement about your reasons for your choice of college, chosen course of study, career goals, plans for financing your education, and information on past activities benefiting your community
  • Your financial information including family income. You can self report this if your ineligible to file a FAFSA

Easy as 1-2-3 (or 5)

Application Process

  1. 1 Gather Your Information

    Awards + employment/volunteer/extracurricular activities/family responsibilities

    Cumulative grade point average

    An statement about your choice of college, chosen course of study, career goals and information on past activities benefiting your community

    Financial information from FAFSA or other resource

  2. 2 Find Scholarships

    Review the list of scholarships available through Grand Rapids Community Foundation. We award scholarships annually primarily to Kent County students bound for or in college, or those pursuing a technical career. We have scholarships that benefit students of many ages, academic abilities and areas of interest, and we hope you'll take a moment to review which ones you may qualify for.

  3. 3 Submit Application

    By submitting a general application, we'll take the information you entered and see which Community Foundation scholarships you qualify for. With one application, you'll be in the running for the $1+ million we award every year.

    Pro tip: File your FAFSA. Information from the FAFSA is important.

  4. 4 Check Additional Scholarships

    We have several scholarships that require an additional application. Are you a Meijer team member? A Theatre Arts major? Attend Lowell High School? Pursuing a career in the legal field? These are just a few examples of separate application scholarships you may qualify for.

  5. 5 Check Your Email

    Scholarship committees comprised of volunteers from all over Kent County will review applications. If you have an address change, please email Angela Reyna Perez, scholarship coordinator, at AReyna@grfoundation.org

Student Resources

GENERAL APPLICATION SCHOLARSHIPS

By Completing Our General Application, You'll be Considered for:

Scholarship

Criteria

  • Aim High Jerry Clay Scholarship

    Student is from Kent, Barry, Ionia, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, or Ottawa County pursuing a full-time undergrad degree or certification in the Welding Technology field of study at an accredited program located at or affiliated with Grand Rapids Community College or Ferris State University.  Must have financial need.

  • Altrusa International of Grand Rapids Scholarship

    Student is from Kent, Allegan, Ionia, Ottawa, Montcalm, or Muskegon Counties (6 month residency minimum) and is returning to college or entering college after sitting out of school for at least two years. (Non-traditional returning student) Must demonstrate financial need and provide two letters of recommendation.

  • Armando "Frank" Quaglia Veteran's Scholarship

    Student is from Kent or Ionia County and is a veteran or family member (spouse, child, or step-child) of a veteran of the United States Armed Forces attending an accredited four-year college or university full-time majoring in Engineering or a Medical/Healthcare field.  Must have financial need and a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.

  • Arts Council of Greater Grand Rapids Minority Scholarship

    Students of color (African American, Asian, Hispanic, Native American, Pacific Islander) attending a non-profit public or private college/university in West Michigan majoring in Fine Arts including all visual and performing art forms. Must have financial need, be a Kent County resident, and have a minimum 2.5 GPA.

  • Audrey L. Wright Scholarship

    Student is a Kent County resident (3 year minimum) pursuing an undergraduate degree in Foreign Language or Education. Must have financial need and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

  • Black Men Building Resources Scholarship

    Student is an African American male or female with financial need residing in Kent County and graduated or received a GED from a Grand Rapids area high school.

  • Bob and Aileen Elliott Scholarship Fund

    Student is a 2nd year undergraduate student who graduated from Grand Rapids University Prep High School pursuing a full time undergraduate degree or certification at an accredited two or four-year college/university or trade school program located within the United States. Must have financial need and a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average. 

  • Bob Zylstra STEM Scholarship

    Student is a resident of Kent the surrounding counties of Barry, Ionia, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, or Ottawa pursuing an undergraduate degree in a science, technology engineering, or mathematics (STEM) related field of study at an accredited two or four-year college/university/trade school in the United States.  Students must have financial need.   

  • Camilla C. Johnson Scholarship

    Student is a senior at Union High School entering college full time in the fall. Must demonstrate financial need and a minimum 2.6 GPA.

  • Carolyn Gallmeyer Scholarship

    Student is a Kent County resident pursuing an undergraduate degree at any U.S. college. Must have financial need and a minimum 2.75 GPA.

  • Chad Vollmer Scholarship

    Student is a senior at Central High School and will attend Grand Rapids Community College. Must have financial need and a 2.3 minimum GPA to renew and have an acceptable work history.

  • Christine Soper Scholarship

    Student is a Challenge Scholar attending Union High School.

  • Dave & Laurie Russell Family Scholarship for Habitat for Humanity of Kent County Families

    Student is a Habitat for Humanity of Kent County home owner or immediate family member (spouse/partner, child, step-child) residing in the home pursuing an undergraduate degree or certification at an accredited vocational trade program, two-year or four-year college or accredited graduate level program located in the United States.  Must demonstrate financial need.

  • Achille & Irene Despres, William & Andre Scholarship

    Student is of Mexican heritage and resides in Kent or Ottawa County and will be attending an accredited college/university for undergraduate studies. Must have financial need and a minimum 2.75 GPA.

  • Donald & Florence Hunting Scholarship

    Student is a senior at Rockford High School entering college in the fall. Must demonstrate financial need.

  • Donald M. Wells Scholarship

    Student is a senior or graduate of Central High School pursuing undergraduate studies at GRCC, University of Chicago, or University of Michigan. Must have financial need and a minimum 2.5 GPA.

  • Dorothy J. Thurston Graduate Scholarship

    Student is a Kent Count resident (2 year minimum) pursuing full or part-time study at any accredited school in the United States. Must have financial need and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

  • Dorothy B. & Charles E. Thomas Scholarship

    Student is a Challenge Scholar at Union High School.

  • Dr. Jack & Katy Lukens Family Scholarship

    A student is a Challenge Scholar from Union High School entering the third year or above undergraduate studies majoring in a healthcare-related field.

  • Dr. Noyes L. Avery, Jr. & Ann E. Avery Scholarship

    Student is a full time student from Kent County (3 year minimum) attending University of Michigan for a medical doctor degree (undergraduate or graduate level). Must have 3.0 GPA and financial need.

  • Dr. Richard Woltersom STEM Scholarship

    Student is full time student from Kent County (2 year minimum) pursuing a degree in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) related field of study at an accredited college/university located in the United States. Student must be entering third year or above undergraduate level and have financial need.

  • Dr. William E. & Norma Sprague Scholarship

    Student is full-time with a permanent residence in the Michigan counties of Kent, Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo or Athens County, Ohio, pursuing a full-time undergraduate or graduate degree at Ohio University. Must have financial need and minimum 3.0 GPA.

  • Economic Club of Grand Rapids Scholarship

    Student is an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Business. Must be a resident of Kent or Ottawa County (3 year minimum) with financial need and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

  • Elmo Wierenga Ottawa Hills Alumni Scholarship

    Student is a senior at Ottawa Hills HS pursuing full-time undergraduate studies at any 2 or 4-year accredited school in the U.S. Must have financial need and a minimum 2.5 GPA.

  • Folds Grand Rapids Scholarship

    The student is a resident of Kent County and a child (natural, legally adopted, or stepchild) of a fallen or disabled veteran or the first responder enrolled full-time at any college/university in the U.S. Must demonstrate financial need.

  • Fred, Miriam, Bob and Fritz Briscoe Scholarship

    Student is full-time with a permanent residence in Kent or Ottawa County planning to attend or currently attending Central Michigan University, Michigan State University, Northern Michigan University or Muskegon Community College.  Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average and demonstrate financial need.

  • FredK Scholarship

    Student is a senior at City High School pursuing full-time undergraduate studies at University of Michigan.  Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average and demonstrate financial need. 

  • Geraldine Geistert Boss Scholarship

    Student is a Challenge Scholar at Union High School with a minimum grade point average of 3.0.

  • Gladys Snauble Scholarship

    Student is a senior at Cedar Springs HS and entering college in the Fall. Must have financial need.

  • Grand Rapids Chamber ATHENA Eileen DeVries Scholarship

    Student identifies as female and will be over the age of 30 at the start of academic year for which the funds are awarded attending an undergraduate program at an accredited vocational, technical or four-year institution located within a 20 mile radius of Grand Rapids Michigan. Must have financial need and a 2.5 minimum cumulative GPA.

  • Grand Rapids Scholarship Association

    Student is a Challenge Scholar at Union High School.

  • Grand Rapids University Prep Founders' Scholarship

    Student is a senior at Grand Rapids University Prep Academy pursuing an undergraduate degree or certification at an accredited two or four-year college/university or trade school program located within the United States.  Must have financial need and a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average.

  • Guy D. & Mary Edith Halladay Graduate Scholarship

    Student is a Kent County resident (2 year minimum) and a graduate level student. Must have financial need and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

  • Guy D. & Mary Edith Halladay Music Scholarship

    Student is a Kent County resident (2 year minimum) and a graduate or undergraduate level student majoring in Music at any college in the U.S. Must have financial need and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

  • Hackett Family Scholarship

    Student is a senior at or has graduated from any public high school located in Grand Rapids, Godfrey Lee, Godwin Heights, Grandville, Kelloggsville, Kentwood or Wyoming, Michigan and is a full time undergraduate student attending an accredited college/university or skilled trade school of their choice. Preference is given to women of color.

  • Harry and Lucille Brown Scholarship

    Student is a Challenge Scholar at Union High School.

  • Harry J. Morris, Jr. Emergency Services

    Student is a resident of Kent, Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Ottawa, Montcalm, Muskegon, or Newaygo County pursuing an undergraduate certificate or degree at an accredited education program in Michigan in the field of emergency medical technician, paramedic, or firefighter training.  Must have a 2.5 cumulative grade point average or verified GED certificate and demonstrate financial need.

  • Hill Machinery Scholarship

    Student is a Challenge Scholar at Union High School planning to pursue an undergraduate degree or certification in a machine-related trade or Mechanical Engineering field of Study.  Must have financial need and a minimum 2.5 GPA.  

  • Horning Marshall University of Michigan Scholarship

    Student is a resident of the City of Grand Rapids pursuing an undergraduate degree at University of Michigan. Minimum 3.0 GPA and financial need required.  

  • Jack Family Scholarship

    Student is a Challenge Scholar at Union High School.

  • Jacob R. & Mary M. VanLoo & Lenore K. VanLoo Scholarship

    Student is a resident of Kent County (3 year minimum) who will be attending Grand Rapids Community College or Grand Valley State University.  Must have financial need and a 3.0 minimum GPA.

  • John M. and Alicent Epps Jasperse Scholarship

    Student is a Kent County resident attending Grand Rapids Community College with a minimum 2.5 grade point average. Must have financial need. This is a renewable scholarship.

  • John T. & Frances J. Maghielse Scholarship

    Student is a graduate of a Grand Rapids Public High School, a resident of Kent County, and currently pursuing full time undergraduate degree in the field of Education at any Michigan public or private college/university. Must have financial need and minimum 3.0 GPA.

  • Josephine Ringold Scholarship

    Student is a Challenge Scholar at Union High School attending a local college/university within a 50-mile radius of Grand Rapids.

  • Joshua Esch Mitchell Aviation Scholarship

    Student is a US citizen, enrolled full or part-time at a college or university in the United States providing an accredited flight science curriculum. Applicants must be second year students or above or a first year student graduating from West Michigan Aviation Academy with a minimum 2.75 GPA pursuing undergraduate studies in the field of professional pilot with an emphasis in general aviation, Aviation Management, or Aviation Safety. A valid pilot’s certificate (not to include a Student Certificate) is required. A letter of recommendation from a professional in the aviation field is required.

  • Keith C. VanderHyde Scholarship

    Student is a senior or graduate of Ottawa Hills HS pursuing a full time undergraduate degree, have financial need and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

  • Kenneth E. & Shirley J. Morris Scholarship

    Student is a resident of Ionia County (6-month minimum) pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in nursing at any college/university in the US.  Must have financial need and a 2.0 minimum GPA.

  • Kenneth Vonk Scholarship

    Student is a Challenge Scholar at Union High School

  • Ladies Literary Club Scholarship

    Student is a resident of Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon, Allegan, Montcalm or Barry County majoring in Literary Arts at any accredited Michigan college or university. Must have financial need and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

  • Lavina Laible Scholarship

    Student is a female student entering the 3rd year or above of undergraduate studies at University of Michigan. Must be a Kent County resident, have financial need and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

  • Llewellyn L. Cayvan String Instrument Scholarship

    Student is an undergraduate or graduate level student studying the violin, viola, violoncello, or the bass viol. No residency or financial need requirements.

  • Lobbestael Frederick Family Scholarship

    Student is a Kent County resident graduate level student with confirmed enrollment in a Masters of Business Administration Program or Masters of Public Administration Program at Calvin University or Grand Valley State University. Must have financial need and a minimum 3.3 GPA.

  • Margery J. Seeger Scholarship

    Student is a Challenge Scholar at Union High School.

  • Mathilda & Carolyn Gallmeyer Scholarship

    Student is a Kent County resident (5 year minimum) pursuing undergraduate studies in painting/fine arts. Must demonstrate artistic talent, have financial need and a minimum 2.75 GPA.

  • Melbourne & Alice E. Frontjes Scholarship

    Student is a Kent County resident (3 year minimum) pursuing an undergraduate degree at Central Michigan University, Western Michigan University, GRCC, University of Michigan, or Michigan State University. Must demonstrate financial need and have a minimum 2.75 GPA.

  • Michael J. Wolf Scholarship

    Student is a senior graduating from a Grand Rapids Public Schools High School, residing in the City of Grand Rapids pursuing an undergraduate degree at University of Michigan.  Must demonstrate financial need and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. 

  • Mildred E. Troske Music Scholarship

    Student is a Kent County resident (2 year minimum) studying music at a camp or undergraduate music majors. Must have financial need and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

  • West Michigan Financial Services Charitable Foundation Scholarship

    Student is a resident of Kent or contiguous counties pursuing a full-time undergraduate (third-year or above) or graduate degree as a business/financial major at a Michigan public or private college/university. Must demonstrate financial need and have a 3.0 GPA.

  • Nika Marie Social Impact Scholarship

    Student is a resident of Kent County pursing a major in a STEAM related field of study (science, technology, engineering, art, or mathematics). Must demonstrate financial need.

  • Northouse Nursing Scholarship

    Student is a resident of Kent or surrounding counties accepted into an accredited BSN Nursing Program at an accredited public or private nursing program in the State of Michigan.  Must be a  full-time student, have financial need and a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.

  • Norm & Marilyn Leven Challenge Scholars Scholarship

    Student is a Challenge Scholar at Union High School with a minimum 2.5 GPA.

  • Olson Family Scholarship

    Student is a Kent or Ottawa County resident pursuing an undergraduate degree full time at an accredited college/university or trade school with preference to Michigan Schools. Must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average and financial need. 

  • Orrie & Dorothy Cassada Scholarship

    Student is a Challenge Scholar at Union High School.

  • Patricia & Armen Oumedian Scholarship

    Student is a full-time student at Kettering or transferring from GRCC to Kettering. Must be a resident of West Michigan or currently be employed by a West Michigan Kettering Co-op employer, demonstrate financial need and have a minimum 3.0 (85) GPA.

  • Paul Collins Scholarship

    Student is an undergraduate level student studying Fine or Applied Arts at Aquinas, Calvin, GVSU, GRCC or Kendall. Must be a resident of Kent County, have a minimum 2.5 GPA, have financial need, and demonstrate artistic talent.

  • Peggy (Kommer) Novosad Scholarship

    Student is a resident of Michigan currently completing or possessing an undergraduate and will be pursuing a full-time graduate or post-graduate degree in business,  law, or education at any accredited university in Michigan. Must have financial need and a minimum 3.0GPA.

  • Pullen/Lambers Family Memorial Scholarship

    Student is a senior graduating from either Wyoming High School in Wyoming, Michigan or Muskegon High School in Muskegon, Michigan planning to attend an accredited college/university located in the US. Must have financial need and a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average.

  • Reach for Your Goal Scholarship

    Student is a resident of Kent County and a high school senior who has been accepted into an accredited Michigan trade school, college or university.  Must have financial need and a minimum 3.0 GPA. 

  • Robert L. & Hilda Treasure Mitchell Scholarship

    Student is a resident of Kent County (3 year minimum) pursuing an undergraduate degree at any accredited college in the U.S. Must have financial need and a 3.3 minimum GPA.

  • Roger and Jacquelyn Vander Laan Family Scholarship

    Student is a senior at South Christian High School entering a full time program in the fall at any accredited college, university, vocational, or technical school and majoring in healthcare, education, or business. Must have financial need and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

  • Ronald T. Smith Family Scholarship

    Student is an employee of or spouse/domestic partner or child (natural, legally adopted, or step-child) of an employee of Bodycote Grand Rapids or Holland Plants (formerly known as Specialty Heat Treating Inc.)  pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree at any accredited college/university or trade school in the U.S.  Must have a minimum 2.5 GPA

  • Rosemary Cook Education Scholarship

    Student is a Challenge Scholar at Union High School planning to pursue an undergraduate degree in Education full-time at any accredited Michigan public or private college/university.  Must have financial need and a minimum 2.75 GPA.

  • Sherman L. & Mabel C. Lepard Scholarship

    Student is a Challenge Scholar at Union High School.

  • Stephen Lankester Scholarship

    Student is a Challenge Scholar at Union High School.

  • Thomas D. Coffield Scholarship

    Student is a senior at Central High School entering a 2 or 4-year accredited college/university. Must have a 2.5 minimum GPA and demonstrate financial need.

  • TowerPinkster Scholarship

    Student is a senior graduating from a Michigan Public High School pursuing a full-time undergraduate degree in an Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design, or Building Engineering field of study at an accredited college/university. Must have a minimum 3.25 cumulative grade point average

  • U-M Alumnae Club (University of Michigan) Scholarships

    Student is a female undergraduate or graduate level student entering the 2nd year or above at the University of Michigan, with a permanent residency (3 year minimum) in Kent or adjoining counties of Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, or Ottawa. Must have financial need and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Scholarships include the Gretchen Slack Appelt and Doris Ann Slack, Margaret Appelt Kerr, Meta Prange Murphy/Lucille Prange, and Rosemary Scott scholarships. 

  • Violet Wondergem Health Science Scholarship

    Student is a resident of Kent or Ottawa County majoring in an undergraduate level health service related field at any accredited Michigan college or university. Must have financial need and a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.

  • Virginia Valk Fehsenfeld Scholarship

    Student is a full-time undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Dietetics, Nutrition, Education, or general human services. Must be a resident of Kent County, have financial need, and a 3.4 minimum GPA.

  • Vivian M. Kommer Scholarship

    Student is a senior at West Catholic HS entering undergraduate studies in business or pre-law. Must demonstrate financial need and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

  • Walter C. Winchester Scholarship

    Student is a senior graduating from a Grand Rapids Public High School. Must demonstrate need and have a minimum 3.3 GPA.

HAVE A SCHOLARSHIP QUESTION? WE'RE HERE TO HELP.