Oct 1, 2024 – March 1, 2025
MESF encourages students to AIM HIGH in order to qualify for academic scholarships which we offer to high school, college/medical school students & adult learners. Over $160,000 has been given to deserving students since our incorporation in 2008. View our local & national scholarship applications offered through our AIM HIGH INITIATIVE.
National Excellence in Academics & Community Service Award
This one-time scholarship, in an amount up to $2,500, will be awarded to one or two (2) successful candidates annually. Candidates must be brain tumor patients/survivors or closely related to someone diagnosed with a brain tumor. Relationships are limited to spouse, biological children, biological parents, and biological siblings.
Candidates must also be US residents who are entering or currently enrolled in an advanced educational program at a college, university, vocational school, or other setting within the fifty United States or District of Columbia that demonstrate a need for financial assistance. Amount of award will be paid directly to the student’s school if for tuition, or directly to the recipient to assist with living expenses, books, travel, etc.
Award applications for the 2024-2025 school year will be available by October 1, 2024. The scholarship application deadline is March 1, 2025. Your completed application must be submitted or postmarked by that date. We will notify the 2025 recipients in March 2025. Local winners must be prepared to participate in the Annual Scholarship Gala in the spring (April 27, 2025) and the Annual Brain Tumor Awareness Fun Run/Walk ceremony in June/July. All winners will be listed on our site in May 2025.
(Online application) – Link is only active during scholarship period.
National Excellence in Science & Medicine Award
This one-time scholarship, in an amount up to $2,500, will be awarded to one or two (2) successful candidates annually. Candidates must also be US residents who are entering or currently enrolled in an advanced educational program within health sciences (including biology, chemistry, nursing, etc.) with the intent to enter the field of oncology or neurology (including neuroscience, neurosurgery, and neuropathology) at a college or four-year university within the fifty United States or District of Columbia. Amount of award will be paid directly to the student’s school if for tuition, or directly to the recipient to assist with living expenses, books, travel, etc.
Award applications for the 2024-2025 school year will be available by October 1, 2024. The scholarship application deadline is March 1, 2025. Your completed application must be submitted or postmarked by that date. We will notify the 2025 recipients in March 2025. Local winners must be prepared to participate in the Annual Scholarship Gala in the spring (April 27, 2025) and the Annual Brain Tumor Awareness Fun Run/Walk ceremony in June/July. All winners will be listed on our site in May 2025.
(Online application) – Link is only active during scholarship period.
CHICAGO ONLY—Karen Lewis CTU-CPS Excellence in Science Award
Created in honor of Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) President Karen Lewis, this one time scholarship, in an amount up to $2,500, will be awarded to one or four (4) successful Chicago Public School (CPS) candidates annually (determined by funds availability). Candidates must be a graduate or current CPS student entering or currently enrolled in an advanced educational program within the health sciences (including biology, chemistry, nursing, etc.); pursuing a technical certification, associate or bachelor level degree; with an emphasis in science and/or screening and research in the areas of oncology or neurology (including neuroscience, neurosurgery, and neuropathology) at a college or four-year university within the fifty United States or District of Columbia. Amount of award will be paid directly to the student’s school if for tuition, or directly to the recipient to assist with living expenses, books, travel, etc.
Award applications for the 2024-2025 school year will be available by October 1, 2024. The scholarship application deadline is March 1, 2025. Your completed application must be submitted or postmarked by that date. We will notify the 2025 recipients in March 2025. Local winners must be prepared to participate in the Annual Scholarship Gala in the spring (April 27, 2025) and the Annual Brain Tumor Awareness Fun Run/Walk ceremony in June/July. All winners will be listed on our site in May 2025.
(Online application) – Link only active during scholarship period.
#GIVING TUESDAY Award
This special award will be granted to a student or students that have previously applied for our scholarships. On #GIVING TUESDAY the board of directors will select a student to receive this book scholarship in an amount of $200 – $500 to be used to support a student pursing or planning to pursue a career within health science. Award is subject to enrollment verification.
Award is payable during the current school year for students already enrolled in a college/medical school or technical certification program for the 2024-2025 academic term. Amount of award will either be paid directly to the student’s school or directly to the recipient with acceptable documentation of text book fees. Local winners will participate in either the Annual Scholarship Gala in May or the Annual Brain Tumor Awareness Fun Run/Walk ceremony in July.
(Download application) – Link is active if monies are available.
MESF is dedicated to winning the fight against brain tumors. We vow to SAVE-A-LIFE by providing financial support for vital screenings utilized in the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors. We eagerly provide monetary support to families coping with a brain tumor diagnosis.
Medical Screening/Financial Assistance Grant…..
This grant is also referred to as “A Husbands Hope” for Mary’s widow Arthur Smith III. The Mary E. Smith Foundation encourages and supports brain tumor patients and their families on their journey from diagnosis to treatment and beyond. This includes offsetting the cost of MRI and CT Scanning services at any point. Funding for financial assistance grants are available on a first come first serve basis and depend upon funds availability.
Candidates must be the brain tumor patient/survivor or a financially bound relative of someone diagnosed with a brain tumor. Relationships are limited to spouse, children, parents, and siblings. All applications must be accompanied by proof of a brain tumor diagnosis. Supporting documentation regarding financial hardships during and/or following the diagnosis should also accompany the application (ex. past due hospital bills). All request are reviewed and approved by an internal grant committee, who then make recommendations to the Board of Directors. Board members may request additional information if needed. Once approved, funds will be immediately available.
Award Frequency: This is a one time monetary assistance award open to U.S. residents.
Note: Funds will be distributed on a first come first serve basis (check website for availability). Funds are made payable to the patient; parent/guardian. Maximum amount awarded is $2500.00. Link is active only if monies are available. (Online application)
MESF is dedicated to FIND-A-CURE by providing grants to the nations top researchers.
Research Grant Award–CONGRATULATIONS Northwestern Brain Tumor Institute (NBTI) $10K
The Mary E. Smith Foundation encourages and supports research related to the prevention, treatment, and overall progress toward a cure for brain tumors. Funding for grants are available year-round based on a two-part application process. All applications are reviewed and approved by an internal grant committee, who then make recommendations to the Board of Directors. Board members will request additional information and/or arrange an interview. The scientific relevance of the proposed study and the applicant (individual, organization, & principal investigator) credentials will be important factors. Once a project is approved, funds will be immediately available.
Award Frequency: This is a one time research grant award open to U.S. researchers.
Award Funding Amount: Grants are currently limited to $1000 – $10,000 per award.
Note: Funds will be distributed on a first come first serve basis (check website for availability). Funds are made payable to the hospital/organization research facility. Link is active only if monies are available. (Online application)
