Students Encouraged to Apply for Community Foundation Scholarships

 

The Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri invites area students pursuing higher education to apply for scholarships through its 2026 program. These scholarships, designed to support high school and college students in the region, include both renewable and one-year awards from 22 endowed funds, aiming to provide a total of over $214,000 in scholarship funding this year.

Each scholarship has specific eligibility requirements based on donor intent, offering opportunities across various fields of study and communities. Applications are now open and must be submitted through the Community Foundation’s online scholarship system by March 9, 2026. More information about each scholarship and how to apply can be found at www.mycommunityfoundation.org/scholarships.

Available Scholarships by Location:

• Adams County, IL:
  • Amelia E. Bauner, Frances A. Hall, and Walter J. Hall Scholarship: For Quincy University students pursuing a degree in education and residing in Adams County.
  • Becky Swisher Crowe Memorial Scholarship: For Quincy Senior High graduating seniors planning to major in education.
  • F. Lee & Joan Kammerlohr Family Scholarship: For Quincy Senior High graduating seniors intending to pursue a career in education, with a preference for elementary education. This scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years. 
  • George & Sharen Borrowman Agriculture Scholarship: For former students or graduates of John Wood Community College entering their junior or senior year at an accredited college or university, pursuing a bachelor's degree in an agricultural-related field.
  • Kenneth & Eleanor Lohr Memorial Scholarship: For Quincy Senior High School graduating seniors or graduates intending to enter the field of or majoring in pharmacy. 
  • Krutmeier Scholarship: For graduates of Payson-Seymour High School attending an accredited post-secondary institution to pursue a degree in agriculture or a closely related field.
  • Quincy High School Class of 1957 Scholarship: For Quincy Senior High School graduates attending an accredited, four-year, post-secondary education institution.
  • Rich & Pam Futhey Scholarship Fund: For graduates of Central High School who will be attending an accredited nonprofit post-secondary institution to pursue a career in the trades, including in order of priority: Diesel mechanics, auto mechanics, HVAC or electrical; Medical or law enforcement.
• Calhoun County, IL:
  • Delford M. & Portia K. Richter Agriculture Scholarship: For Bona fide residents of and/or graduates of high schools in Pike County or Calhoun County, Illinois who are pursuing education or training in agriculture and related areas at an accredited postsecondary educational or nonprofit technical institution. Preference for students pursuing education or training at institutions located in Illinois, Missouri, or Iowa.
• Lewis County, MO:
  • Ben C. & Etta M. Plank Memorial Scholarship: For graduates of Canton High School or Highland High School, with a preference for students pursuing agriculture-related majors.
  • Tom and Judy Zenge Fund: Offers two awards. Student Award: For Canton High School graduating seniors pursuing a major in engineering, science, or mathematics. Teacher Award: For a teacher at Canton High School chosen by the Student Award recipient.
• Marion County, MO:
  • Alton A. Vannice FFA Leadership Scholarship: For Palmyra FFA students exhibiting outstanding leadership qualities and work ethic, pursuing a degree in agriculture or a closely related field. Renewable for up to three additional years.
  • Clifford H. Ahrens Scholarship: For graduates of Hannibal High School attending an accredited post-secondary institution with the intent to study law.
  • Dr. Larry Nichols D.O. Medical Education Scholarship: For a graduating senior of Hannibal High School, preferably a student who will pursue a career in the medical field.
  • Theresa Lynn Thompson Memorial Scholarship: For graduates of Palmyra High School.
  • Hannibal High School Class of 1955 Scholarship: For graduates of Hannibal High School.
• Pike County, IL:
  • Delford M. & Portia K. Richter Agriculture Scholarship: For Bona fide residents of and/or graduates of high schools in Pike County or Calhoun County, Illinois who are pursuing education or training in agriculture and related areas at an accredited postsecondary educational or nonprofit technical institution. Preference for students pursuing education or training at institutions located in Illinois, Missouri, or Iowa.
  • Dorothy J. Motley Memorial Scholarship: For graduates of Western High School.
  • Eldred and Evelyn Whitmore Scholarship: For a graduating senior of Griggsville-Perry High School who will pursue a degree in an ag-related field, teaching, or technical trade.
  • John Petty Trade School Scholarship Fund:  Provides a scholarship for a student graduating from Pittsfield High School who will be pursuing a technical trade at an accredited nonprofit post-secondary institution, trade, or vocational school, with primary consideration given to students pursuing the study of building trades; however, consideration may be given to students pursuing other trades including but not limited to welding, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, automotive and diesel mechanics.
  • Marvin J and Thomas Leo Likes Math Scholarship: The scholarship is awarded to a student who scores a minimum 27 ACT composite or equivalent SAT score. Graduates from Western (Barry, IL) High School. Declares his or her intent to obtain a bachelor’s degree or a degree leading to a bachelor’s degree in math, math education, engineering, surveying, or engineering/surveying.
  • Robert L. Adams Memorial Education Scholarship: For graduates of Griggsville-Perry CUSD #4 High School attending an accredited post-secondary institution to pursue a career in education or a technical trade.
  • Virginia Kaye Leinweber Leeds Scholarship: For Pleasant Hill High School graduating seniors intending to pursue a career in nursing.

 

For a comprehensive list of scholarships and detailed application information, please visit the Community Foundation's official website at www.mycommunityfoundation.org/scholarships.

The Community Foundation is committed to supporting the educational aspirations of students in our region. We encourage all eligible students to apply and take advantage of these opportunities to further their education and contribute positively to their communities.

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The Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri is an endowment builder, community connector, and grant maker. Together with its donors, the Community Foundation improves the quality of life in the communities it serves by growing permanent charitable resources and fostering collaborative philanthropy.

Since its founding in 1997, the Community Foundation has distributed more than $20 million in grants from 250 funds to advance arts and culture, community betterment, education, health, and human services.

For more information, call 217-222-1237, email info@mycommunityfoundation.org or go to mycommunityfoundation.org or www.facebook.com/mycommunityfoundation.