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.
As 2025 comes to an end, you may be searching for ways to help organizations in need in our community. Gifts made to The Foundation can be tailored to address both your financial concerns and charitable interests. We offer a range of options for year-end giving. Please consider the following as you consider charitable giving:
- You may contribute to The Foundation in honor or memory of a loved one. You may also recognize a special pet of a friend or family member!
- We will acknowledge gifts for 2025 that are postmarked by December 31 or credit card gifts made through our website before midnight on December 31.
- Gifts of stock that have appreciated in value may generate additional tax savings.
- Speak with a tax advisor about an IRA rollover gift or required minimum distribution (RMD).
- Review the beneficiaries of your retirement accounts and insurance policies. Should you choose, The Foundation can be named as a recipient.
- A gift over $10,000 can be used to create a new fund and a gift of $25,000 can be used to create a new scholarship.
We will be available until 5:00 pm December 31 to answer any questions or receive any gifts.
Two weeks from tomorrow – Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026 – four of our application cycles will open. It’s never too early to start planning a scholarship or grant application.
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.
In addition to the scholarship application process starting January 1, three of our grant cycles will open at the same time.
- 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.
If you are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that works with academically gifted students, autism education or arts and culture start considering a project you want to undertake next year.
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.