There are a variety of unique scholarship opportunities available every year for students. A large portion of these scholarships reward students for the dedication and care they’ve shown toward others and their communities. These awards can be found on general scholarship websites and may be offered by local businesses, national associations, and other organizations. Here are just a few scholarships we’ve found for acts of kindness that you could (and should!) apply for this year.
1. Leaders Save Lives Scholarship
Did you know that someone in the US is in need of blood every two seconds? The Leaders Save Lives Scholarship Program asks students to host drives and encourage people to donate blood for cancer patients, burn victims, and so many others who need it. If your blood drive successfully collects 25 pints or more, you’ll earn a gift card and also be entered for a chance to win a scholarship.
Sponsor: American Red Cross
Amount: Up to $2,500
Eligibility: Open to students in high school, college (community and four-year), and technical/trade school
Deadline: June 1–August 31 (for Summer Program); December 15–January 15 (for Winter Program)
Related: How to Find Scholarships in Hidden Places
2. Spirit of Giving Scholarship
To encourage more acts of kindness, service, and giving, the Spirit of Giving Scholarship asks students to submit an essay that focuses on community service. You’re free to write about how you’ve served or been served by others in the past, or how your college or post-secondary education will help you serve others in the future.
Sponsor: Wine Country Gift Baskets
Amount: $1,000
Eligibility: Open to high school seniors and students at four-year universities, community colleges, institutes of technology, and accredited credential or certificate programs
Deadline: July 31
3. Healthy Communities Scholarship
The Healthy Communities Scholarship aims to help students who are passionate about local health initiatives and community development. Applicants must include a personal statement describing how they’ve helped their community grow and improve with examples of previous contributions, such as promoting various health practices, proposing the use of sustainable resources, and other measures that have given rise to healthier communities.
Sponsor: Virginia Law Firm
Amount: $1,000
Eligibility: Open to students enrolled in community/junior college, undergraduate, and graduate programs as well as high school graduates or GED holders planning to start college-level studies
Deadline: May 31
Related: Our Best Advice on Finding and Applying for Scholarships
4. Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes
The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes awards “public-spirited young people”—including elementary and middle school students! Individuals must be currently leading (or have led within the past year) an inspiring service project that’s created a positive impact on their community. Certain characteristics should be easily identified in your application, such as selflessness and devotion to your work.
Sponsor: Young Heroes Project
Amount: $10,000
Eligibility: Open to individuals between the ages of 8–18
Deadline: April 15
5. Good Lawyers/Good People Scholarship
The Good Lawyers/Good People Scholarship was created for students who want to improve the world and achieve justice through law. The application requires either a video or personal statement that expands on how implementing the law can change the lives of individuals for the better. You can discuss an event in the past you may have observed or been a part of, or you can even share what you would like do for change in the future.
Sponsor: Simeone & Miller LLP
Amount: $1,000
Eligibility: Open to law school students and currently enrolled or accepted undergraduates
Deadline: July 1 (for fall) and November 1 (for spring)
Related: Smart Strategies for Scholarships With Multiple Deadlines
These are just a few of the many scholarships that are offered for service-oriented students. Before applying to any of these opportunities, be sure to read the scholarship terms carefully and make note of all the requirements. Good luck!
There are plenty more scholarships where these came from! Keep finding free money for college with our Scholarship Search tool.
