Rufus C. Barkley, Jr. Leadership Scholarship Fund Grant

Rufus C. Barkley, Jr. Leadership Scholarship Fund Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina
Amount: Approximately US $10,000
Last Updated: February 06, 2026

Summary

The Rufus C. Barkley, Jr. Leadership Scholarship Fund, established in 2000, supports students from Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester, or Colleton counties. This scholarship prioritizes academic merit and character, considering financial need. Applicants should demonstrate well-rounded interests and a commitment to helping others. One renewable award will be granted for up to four years of college. The fund reflects the Coastal Community Foundation's mission to enhance equity and opportunity in local communities.

Overview

Our Purpose Through endowment funds established by individuals, families, businesses and organizations, our combined resources allow us to not only address community needs today, but help us chart a course for a brighter future in the nine counties we serve along South Carolina’s coast. With our donors, we invest millions of dollars through grantmaking, impact investing and scholarships each year. We are also known for understanding and acting upon the dynamic needs of the communities we serve, with recent examples including our disaster response efforts during and after major storms such as Hurricane Florence, and the creation of the Lowcountry Unity Fund in the wake of the Mother Emanuel AME Church massacre to support causes addressing systemic racism. Financial resources are among the many tools we employ in our mission to create vibrant communities. Throughout our history, we have served as a community convener to bring residents and leaders together to tackle major structural challenges, such as housing shortages or limited access to quality education. We also have a long history of incubating grassroots causes and providing them with structural support to grow into fully operational nonprofit organizations. Some organizations that began as programs at Coastal Community Foundation — including the Lowcountry Food Bank, One80 Place and the Center for Heirs Property Preservation — are now major regional nonprofits addressing critical needs. Our Mission Coastal Community Foundation works to create communities rich in equity, opportunity, and well-being by uniting people and investing resources so that all community members have a pathway to achieve their goals. Rufus C. Barkley, Jr. Leadership Scholarship Fund Created by friends of Rufus Barkley in 2000, the fund accepts applications from students who are residents of Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester, or Colleton counties. Financial need may be considered in making the award, but academic merit and character are the principal criteria. We will look for evidence of well-rounded interests and demonstrated concern for those less fortunate. One award will be made, renewable for each of 4 years of college.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Students must be residents of Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester, or Colleton counties.