On Thursday, January 1 the Community Foundation opened four of its application cycles – scholarship, the Arts & Cultural Fund, the Keokee Fund and the Autism Education Fund.

Current high school and college students, adults returning to school or adults attending a trade or technical school program are encouraged to apply for a scholarship for the 2026-27 academic year.

If you are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that works with academically gifted students, autism education or arts and culture consider a project you want to undertake during the 2026 calendar year.

• The Keokee Fund provides opportunities for academically gifted students in the Dan River Region. Grant funds will be used to support organizations, schools, and classrooms serving academically gifted students in the surrounding area.
• The Autism Education Fund supports autism education related programs or organizations for individuals, families, educators, and our community. Grants will be used to provide support for educators to supplement the costs of educational services and promote autism awareness in the region.
• The Arts and Cultural Fund enhances the quality of life in the region by supporting arts and culture within our local communities. 

These three grant cycles (and the scholarship cycle) end March 1. Please be sure to begin the application process early. No late applications will be accepted.