From Harm to Home Scholarship Grant

From Harm to Home Scholarship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Community Foundation of Abilene
Amount: US $500 - US $5,000
Last Updated: November 06, 2025

Summary

The From Harm to Home Scholarship, established by Dr. Angela Nicolini through the Community Foundation of Abilene, aims to support refugees who have fled persecution and are now pursuing educational opportunities in Abilene, Texas. This scholarship reflects the foundation's commitment to community empowerment and philanthropy, helping individuals adapt to their new lives while contributing positively to society. Eligible candidates must have arrived in the U.S. within the last five years and demonstrate their refugee status.

Overview

Community Foundation of Abilene The Community Foundation of Abilene was established in 1985 by a group of individuals who believed that the work that can be accomplished by the whole could be greater than the sum of its parts. The idea that a community of donors can accomplish more collectively than individually. The objective of the Foundation has shifted over the years to continue to meet our vision to see a thriving Abilene, endowed forever. From seeking out partnerships with professional advisors to developing a foundation of philanthropy-minded clients to establishing key relationships to further community initiatives, the Community Foundation of Abilene has rooted itself as a premier organization to empower people to make a lasting charitable impact on our community. The Community Foundation of Abilene is home to more than 150 scholarship funds established by individuals, organizations, and companies to help students from our community and the surrounding area pursue their college education dreams. From Harm to Home Scholarship Dr. Angela Nicolini has lived in Abilene since 1995. She credits being overwhelmingly embraced by the people of this community for the success of her optometry practice. For 16 years, she provided eye care for her patients in and around Taylor County before retiring and pursuing a path in teaching. She became an adjunct professor of Biology at Hardin Simmons University in 2012, and for 8½ years she enjoyed her second career immensely. To Dr. Nicolini, education is the key to the path to success. n 2014, Dr. Nicolini decided she wanted to aid the refugees whom she observed to be working diligently to build a better life, while benefiting her adopted city. She is thrilled to be the founder of the ‘From Harm to Home’ Scholarship to benefit those who have escaped persecution and strife in their homelands, and who provide such great services in Abilene - usually from behind the scenes The main requirements are that the scholarship must go to a refugee who is here on I94 status and will attend an educational institution in Abilene, Texas.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Have arrived in the United States within the past 5 years.Be able to prove refugee status. Must speak fluent English. Planning to attend a two- or four-year local college/university such as Abilene Christian University, Hardin-Simmons University, McMurry University, Texas Tech-Abilene Campus, Cisco College (Abilene), or TSTC.