It’s never too early to start planning your application for the grant and scholarship cycles that open Thursday, January 1.
Current high school and college students, adults returning to school and 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. 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.
Please be sure to fully investigate our website to learn about our opportunities. Complete applications will be accepted until the process closes, but no applications are accepted late. Therefore, we encourage everyone to start the process early.
Dr. Albert and Sandra Payne, who created the Tunstall Academic Boosters Scholarship Fund in 2017, have started two new scholarships at The Foundation. The scholarships will be awarded beginning in the 2027-2028 academic year.
The Frank S. Dillon Scholarship Fund and the Frank S. Dillon Fund were established in memory of Sandra’s father. Dillon attended high school in Danville but withdrew at the age of 16 to support his mother — his father had died when he was two years old. He worked for the US Postal Service from 1946-1978. In addition to delivering mail, he painted and made repairs for members of the community from 1950-1990.
Dillon served as a staff sergeant in the Army during World War II. He was awarded the Silver Start Medal and the Bronze Star Medal. In addition, he received medals for Army of Occupation in Germany; American Campaign; European, African, Middle Eastern Campaign; and efficiency, honor and fidelity in multiple weapons awards.
While Dillon was unable to complete his education, he believed it was very important. He financially supported education throughout his life, especially the College of William and Mary. He was a lifelong member of Moseley Memorial United Methodist Church and was a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers.
The scholarship will be awarded to students residing in the Dan River Region who are pursuing training recognized as career, technical or vocational education.
The couple also created the William H. Payne, Jr. and Agnes T. Payne Scholarship in memory of Albert’s parents. William was the filter plant manager at Dan River, Inc. until 1972. He also worked at the New River Valley Water Authority as a superintendent from 1972-1998. Agnes was an elementary school teacher for 30 years – working for Danville Public Schools and Christiansburg Public Schools.
The couple were members of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church where they sang in the choir. William was a member of the American Water Works Association and United Methodist Men. Agnes was a member of United Methodist Women. Both were members of the Hokie Club, loved attending Virginia Tech football games and they loved to travel. The couple visited all 50 states and traveled abroad.
The second scholarship will be awarded to students who live within our service region and are pursuing a degree in education. Preference will be given to students who have completed the credits for two years of post-secondary education or those students who attend a local four-year university or those who intend to teach in the Dan River Region.
Albert and Sandra were both born in Danville and graduated from George Washington High School. Albert is a dentist with Danville Dental Associates, PC. The couple has long volunteered in the community and are active in their church, Trinity United Methodist Church.
Earlier this month, William “Bill” Curtis Kelehar, a former member of our board of directors, passed away. A resident of South Boston, Bill helped establish the Fund for Halifax at The Foundation.
Bill proudly served his country in both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army from 1963-83 rising to the rank of Sergeant First Class and retiring with honors after a distinguished military career. He moved to Halifax County in 1996 and worked at Annin Flagmakers as a plant manager and director of operations for 16 years. He also worked with Aquatic and the Russell Stover plant in Clarksville.
He was actively involved in the community, serving in leadership roles with the Halifax County Chamber of Commerce and the Industrial Development Authority. He served on the chamber’s board of directors from 2003-06 and was chairman for the last year. In addition, he was a proud member of the American Legion.
