Dr. Robert W. Ikard Scholarship Fund Grant

Dr. Robert W. Ikard Scholarship Fund Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
Last Updated: August 18, 2025

Summary

The Dr. Robert W. Ikard Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, honors the legacy of Dr. Ikard, a surgeon and author committed to education and social justice. This scholarship supports descendants of slaves in Maury County, helping them access higher education opportunities. Eligible candidates must be residents of Maury or Williamson counties, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and can reapply annually. The fund aims to foster a thriving, inclusive community through education.

Overview

About Us For over 30 years, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT) has been driving meaningful, positive change in our community. We do this by bringing together those who want to help and those who need help. Through the power of collective philanthropy, our goal is to amplify donor intent while remaining flexible enough to ensure that resources are directed to where they can do the greatest good. We know the greater Nashville area. We understand its neighborhoods, its most pressing challenges, its unsung nonprofit heroes, and its emerging partnerships with the greatest potential. As our region continues to rapidly change, that knowledge gives us a unique vantage point to bring people and places together to do what none of us can do on our own—build a more thriving and inclusive community. Mission Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee strives to build a more thriving and inclusive community — today and for generations to come — by transforming thoughtful generosity into positive change. Dr. Robert W. Ikard Scholarship Fund Dr. Robert W. Ikard was a surgeon in Nashville since 1971 when he graduated from Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt Medical School. He authored many nationally and regionally published scientific and historical articles. As a native of Columbia, Tennessee the doctor was drawn to the subject matter and wrote a book titled “No More Social Lynchings” which delved into the Columbia Race Riot. This scholarship is established with the belief that all people should have the opportunity to pursue an education and in appreciation for the hard work of Dr. Ikard.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Eligible students should be descendants of slaves in Maury County. Students must be residents of Maury or Williamson counties and must have been educated in public schools in either county. Applicants can be graduating seniors, undergraduates or graduate students attending a 2-or 4-year college or university or graduate school. Students must have a 3.0 grade point average. The scholarship is renewable but not guaranteed with students reapplying each year for the scholarship.