The Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation is an independent foundation that began in 1979 as the result of a bequest from the estate of Mrs. Newcombe, a Philadelphia philanthropist. The Foundation continues Mrs. Newcombe's support of students as they pursue degrees in higher education by maintaining scholarship and fellowship programs that are in keeping with her lifelong interests. Applicants should note that the Newcombe Foundation makes grants to universities and colleges, which select recipients and distribute Newcombe awards. No grants are made directly to individuals.
The Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation funds a major national fellowship program in the humanities and social sciences at the doctoral dissertation level, and three scholarship programs at the undergraduate level. A brief description of each program is presented below. For further details, please click on the program title.
Newcombe Doctoral Dissertation Fellowships are designed to encourage original and significant study of ethical and religious values in all areas of human endeavor. Awards are based on a rigorous national competition, and the program is administered by the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation of Princeton, New Jersey. Each of the 30 Newcombe Fellows selected in 2006 received an $18,500 stipend for a year of dissertation writing.
Newcombe Scholarships for Mature Women Students help reduce dependence on loans, and also recognize the tremendous efforts many mature women make to be good students and to complete degrees while juggling myriad other commitments. During 2006-07, Newcombe Scholarships averaging $1,813 were awarded to 485 women over the age of 25, or 31% of those who applied.
Newcombe Scholarships for Students with Disabilities provide support for students with physical, medical, learning, and psychological handicaps. They are intended to offset some handicap-related expenses and to encourage students with disability challenges toward academic success in higher education. During 2006-07, Newcombe Scholarships for Students with Disabilities that averaged $1,079 were awarded to 324 recipients, or 27% of those who applied.
Newcombe Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students at Presbyterian Colleges are provided to a select group of institutions that serve economically disadvantaged populations. These scholarships reflect Mrs. Newcombe's deep commitment to the Presbyterian Church. During 2006-07, Newcombe Scholarships that averaged $1,552 were awarded to 92 recipients chosen by their college's selection committees.