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. In her will, Mrs. Newcombe named five Trustees and charged them with creating a foundation that would continue her lifelong interest in supporting students pursuing degrees in higher education. The Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation was funded with approximately $16 million, half her residual estate. A faithful Presbyterian, she willed the other half to Princeton Theological Seminary.

Now based in Princeton, New Jersey, the Newcombe Foundation has awarded grants totaling nearly $52 million since 1981 to provide scholarships and fellowships in higher education. For 2010-11, thirty-nine colleges and universities and one foundation have received grants totaling $1,928,717.

Students should note that the Newcombe Foundation only makes grants to universities, colleges, and one major foundation partner; these organizations select recipients and distribute Newcombe awards. No grants are made directly to individuals.

Charlotte W. Newcombe Doctoral Dissertation Fellowships encourage original and significant study of ethical and religious values in all areas of human endeavor. Awards are based on a rigorous national competition administered by the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation. For the 2010-11 academic year, twenty Newcombe Fellows have each received a $25,000 stipend for a year of dissertation writing.

Newcombe Scholarships for Mature Women Students support completion of bachelor's degrees by women who are twenty-five years of age or older who need financial assistance at selected colleges and universities. During 2009-10, Newcombe Scholarships averaging $2,273 were awarded to 552 women at thirty-four colleges and universities.

Newcombe Scholarships for Students with Disabilities support completion of degrees by students with disabilities who need financial assistance at selected colleges and universities. During 2009-10, Newcombe Scholarships averaging $1,225 were awarded to 224 recipients at nine institutions.

Special Scholarship Endowments support completion of degrees by economically disadvantaged students at a select group of institutions. During 2009-10, these endowment funds provided Newcombe Scholarships averaging $2,009 to ninety recipients at sixteen institutions.