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 the creation of 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 just over $50 million since 1981 to provide scholarships and fellowships in higher education. For 2009-10, thirty-seven colleges and universities and one foundation have received just under $2 million in grants.

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. During 2009-10, twenty-nine Newcombe Fellows each received a $24,000 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 2008-09, Newcombe Scholarships averaging $2,164 were awarded to 531 women at thirty-two 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 2008-09, Newcombe Scholarships averaging $1,183 were awarded to 302 recipients at nine institutions.

Special Scholarship Endowments support economically disadvantaged students at a select group of institutions. During 2008-09, these endowment funds provided Newcombe Scholarships averaging $2,399 to 109 recipients at eighteen institutions. No new grants were awarded in this program for the 2009-10 academic year.