Donald L. Rasmussen – Paul J. Kaufman Memorial Scholarship Grant

Donald L. Rasmussen – Paul J. Kaufman Memorial Scholarship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Beckley Area Foundation
Last Updated: March 11, 2026

Summary

The Donald L. Rasmussen – Paul J. Kaufman Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Beckley Area Foundation, offers financial support to current or former coal miners and their descendants from southern West Virginia, particularly those from Raleigh County. This renewable scholarship prioritizes applicants pursuing education in medical fields, including nursing and therapy, to enhance educational opportunities within the coal mining community. The Beckley Area Foundation, established in 1985, is dedicated to charitable initiatives that strengthen local communities.

Overview

Beckley Area Foundation The Beckley Area Foundation (BAF) is a community foundation dedicated to inspiring and facilitating charitable giving that advances and strengthens communities across southern West Virginia. Founded in 1985, the Foundation connects donors, nonprofits, and community partners to support local needs through grants, scholarships, and philanthropic initiatives. BAF’s mission is to inspire and facilitate generous charitable giving that advances the community, with a vision of enriching lives and strengthening regional communities through collaborative philanthropy and long-term stewardship of endowed funds. Its funding priorities include education and scholarships, health and human services, public recreation, the arts, environmental initiatives, animal welfare, and community improvement projects that address local needs and promote sustainable community development. Donald L. Rasmussen – Paul J. Kaufman Memorial Scholarship The Donald L. Rasmussen & Paul J. Kaufman Memorial Scholarship provides financial assistance to individuals who are current or former coal miners in southern West Virginia or descendants of southern West Virginia coal miners. Preference is given to applicants who are coal miners or descendants of coal miners from Raleigh County. Applicants must identify their relationship to a coal miner in their application. While the scholarship may support students pursuing professional or paraprofessional education in various fields, preference is given to those studying in medical-related fields such as nursing, medicine, paramedicine, or therapy. The scholarship is renewable and is administered by the Beckley Area Foundation to support educational advancement for individuals connected to the region’s coal mining community.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website.