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Community Scholarships


In addition to Community Foundation scholarships, college-going and college-bound students may be eligible for scholarship opportunities available outside of the Community Foundation. Use the links below to learn more about the following opportunities.


American Association of University Women (AAUW)

The AAUW is a nationwide network of more than 170,000 members and supporters, 1,000 branches, and 800 college/university institution partners. The Traverse City Area Branch of AAUW was chartered in 1954 with the mission to empower and advance equity for women and girls. Various community projects, congenial interest groups, networking with other women’s groups, and issues and topics of interest are all a part of the overall programming offered by the branch. LEARN MORE about AAUW Scholarships.  

Cherryland Electric Cooperative

Commitment to community is one of Cherryland Electric's guiding cooperative principles. Every year they help youth and adults in their service territory as they build the skills that our community needs to be ready to meet future challenges. LEARN MORE.

Ed & Irene Fleis Education Fund, Inc.

The Ed and Irene Fleis Education Fund was created to increase the number of graduates and encourage people to continue their education or return to a university or trade school and achieve a degree or certification. The student, to be eligible for assistance and/or aid must have a direct lineal connection to the past or present residents in Leelanau County, MI. Eligibility does not require residency, only a direct lineal connection. LEARN MORE.

Lake Michigan Credit Union 

Established in 1990, this scholarship program honors the legacy of Lloyd F. Hutt- teacher and founder of LMCU. Each year, LMCU establishes a question for high school seniors to answer in the form of an essay, and they award (15) $2,000 scholarships. LEARN MORE about the LMCU Lloyd F. Hutt Scholarship.

NALS of Michigan 

NALS of Michigan is offering one annual scholarship in the amount of $1,000 to an indivdiual enrolled, or planning to enroll, in a school of advanced education pursuing a degree in the legal field. High school seniors, as well as college students, are eligible. LEARN MORE.

National Society Daughters of the American Revolution

The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a non-profit, non-political organization with a deeply rich history. More than 1,000,000 women have joined the organization since it was founded over 125 years ago. They became members to honor their heritage as well as make a difference in their communities across the country and the world. The DAR has three main goals: promoting Education, Historic Preservation and Patriotism through work in our local communities. Each year DAR awards multiple scholarships to students showing dedication to the pursuit of higher education in diverse areas of study including history, economics, law, political science, medicine, nursing, occupational and physical therapy, elementary and secondary education, chemistry, math, science and English. Scholarship applications open November 1st each year and remain open until January 31st of the following year. LEARN MORE about Scholarships available through the DAR.

TBA Credit Union

The TBA Credit Union offers a variety of scholarship opportunities each year. LEARN MORE (Click the "Scholarship" tab) 

Traverse Area Human Resources Association

TAHRA provides one $2,000 college scholarship annually to a student pursuing a career in Human Resources. Those pursuing associate's, bachelor's, or master's in human resources may apply; both full-time and part-time students are eligible. Application and essay submission opens January 1 and are due by April 1. The philosophy of the TAHRA scholarship program differs from traditional scholarship programs that reward only the highest level of academic achievement. TAHRA scholarships are awarded based on the applicant’s 500 - 1,000 word essay submission, which conveys their interest and desire to become a human resource professional, what challenges they have faced in life or character traits that set them apart from others seeking a career in this field.

An independent selection committee made up of human resource professionals will select the finalists and conduct finalist interviews during the month of April. The interview panel consists of three HR professionals. In selecting the winners, the committee evaluates the applicants’ essay submission and extracurricular activities. The committee will not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion or national origin. The applicants will be notified of the results in May.

For the entire scholarship description, click here.

Zonta Club of Traverse City

The Zonta Club of Traverse City works to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy. LEARN MORE about Zonta Club Scholarships and Awards.


Would you like to add a community scholarship to our list? Email Gina Thornbury, our Senior Community Impact Manager.