Opportunities | Niculia “Nikki” Williams Education & Equity Foundation

Opportunities

Scholarships, leadership development, and special project grants

The Niculia “Nikki” Williams Education & Equity Foundation creates opportunities for students, emerging women leaders, and community organizations whose work advances education, equity, leadership, service, wellness, and community development.

Before you begin

Applications are submitted for Foundation review. Submission does not guarantee an award. Please submit only information relevant to the application; because applications may include sensitive personal information and supporting documents, the Foundation may request additional information as part of its review.

01 / Scholarship

Application Deadline: March 31, 2027

Niculia “Nikki” Williams Education & Equity Foundation Scholarship Application

About the Scholarship

The Niculia “Nikki” Williams Education & Equity Foundation provides scholarships to students who demonstrate educational promise, financial need, perseverance, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving their communities.

The scholarship program reflects Nikki Williams' lifelong belief in the power of education and her commitment to helping young people overcome barriers, discover opportunity, and build meaningful futures.

Scholarships may be used for eligible educational expenses associated with attendance at an accredited college, university, community college, or approved career or technical education program.

Eligibility

Applicants should:

Be pursuing or planning to pursue postsecondary education, career training, or technical education during the upcoming academic year.
Demonstrate financial need or other barriers to educational opportunity.
Demonstrate a commitment to education, personal growth, leadership, service, or community involvement.
Meet any additional requirements established for a particular scholarship award.
Submit a complete application by March 31, 2027.

The Foundation welcomes applications from students with diverse educational experiences and recognizes that academic potential and leadership are demonstrated in many different ways.

Online Application

Required fields are marked with an asterisk.

Applicant Information

Full Name Date of Birth Email Address Telephone Number Mailing Address City State ZIP Code

Education

Current School or Most Recently Attended School Current Grade Level or Educational Status Expected Graduation Date, if applicableCollege, university, community college, or career/technical program you plan to attend

Accepted status required

YesNoApplication Pending

Anticipated field of study, major, certificate, or career pathway

Financial NeedPlease briefly describe your financial circumstances and any barriers that may affect your ability to pursue your educational goals. Suggested length: 250–500 words

Personal StatementTell us about yourself. What experiences have shaped who you are, what do you hope to accomplish through your education, and how would receiving this scholarship help you move toward those goals? Suggested length: 500–750 wordsPlease describe your involvement in school, employment, family responsibilities, church or faith community, athletics, community organizations, volunteer activities, advocacy, or other forms of leadership and service. Suggested length: 250–500 wordsDescribe a challenge, obstacle, or significant responsibility you have encountered and what the experience taught you about yourself. Suggested length: 250–500 words

Continuing the Legacy

Niculia “Nikki” Williams believed that education should create opportunities not only for individuals, but also for families and communities.

How do you hope to use your education, career, or life experiences to create opportunities for others?

Suggested length: 250–500 words

Supporting Materials

This form does not accept file uploads. Do not include sensitive documents in this form. If supporting materials are needed, the Foundation will contact applicants with instructions for secure document submission.

Secure document follow-up / document submissionPlease identify which of the following you can provide if requested: most recent transcript or other documentation of educational progress; proof of enrollment, acceptance, or application to an eligible educational program, if available; one letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, employer, community leader, faith leader, coach, mentor, or other individual familiar with the applicant; any additional documentation requested by the Foundation.

Certification

By submitting this application, I certify that the information provided is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that submission of an application does not guarantee a scholarship award and that the Foundation may request additional information as part of its review process.

I certify that the information provided in this application is accurate and complete.

Electronic Signature Date

Application Deadline: March 31, 2027

02 / Leadership development

Application Deadline: May 1, 2027

Niculia “Nikki” Williams Women's Leadership Fellowship

About the Fellowship

The Niculia “Nikki” Williams Women's Leadership Fellowship invests in women who demonstrate leadership potential, a commitment to service, and a desire to strengthen their capacity to lead organizations and communities.

Each year, the Foundation will select at least two Fellows. Each Fellow will receive a Leadership Development Award of at least $7,500 to support an individualized program of professional and leadership development.

Fellows will also participate in the Foundation's annual two-day Leadership Fellows Retreat and become part of a growing network of women committed to leadership, service, mentorship, and creating opportunities for others.

Selection Criteria

Competitive applicants will demonstrate:

Evidence of leadership in their profession, organization, school, business, faith community, or community.
A demonstrated commitment to service and improving the lives of others.
Clear leadership and professional development goals.
A thoughtful plan for using Fellowship resources to strengthen their leadership capacity.
The potential to translate their development into broader community or organizational impact.
A willingness to participate fully in Fellowship activities, including the annual two-day Leadership Fellows Retreat.
A commitment to supporting and encouraging other women and emerging leaders.

The Foundation values leadership demonstrated through lived experience, professional achievement, community involvement, entrepreneurship, education, advocacy, caregiving, volunteer service, and other pathways.

Eligible Leadership Development Activities

Executive and nonprofit leadership training
Professional certifications and continuing education
Conferences, institutes, and leadership academies
Graduate or professional coursework
Executive, career, or leadership coaching
Public speaking and communications training
Professional association memberships
Networking and professional development opportunities
Educational travel and leadership exchanges
Books, technology, and professional development resources
Development of an approved community service or social-impact project

Fellows will develop a Leadership Development Plan describing how Fellowship resources will be used.

Online Application

Required fields are marked with an asterisk.

Applicant Information

Full Name Email Address Telephone Number City and State Current Employer or Organization, if applicable Current Position/Role LinkedIn or Professional Website, optional

Leadership ExperienceDescribe your leadership journey. Leadership may include professional, nonprofit, entrepreneurial, educational, faith-based, civic, family, volunteer, or community experiences. Suggested length: 500–750 wordsDescribe how your work, leadership, or service has benefited others or contributed to your community. Suggested length: 300–500 wordsWhat would you like to become better equipped to do as a leader during the Fellowship year? Suggested length: 300–500 wordsDescribe how you would use a Leadership Development Award of at least $7,500. Identify the training, education, coaching, travel, professional development, project, or other experiences you would pursue and explain how they would advance your leadership.

Please provide an estimated budget when possible. Suggested length: 500–750 wordsHow will your growth as a leader benefit people beyond yourself? Suggested length: 250–500 wordsWhat does creating opportunities for others mean to you, and how have you demonstrated—or how do you hope to demonstrate—that principle through your leadership? Suggested length: 250–500 words

Supporting Materials

Secure document follow-up / document submissionPlease identify which of the following you can provide if requested: current résumé or curriculum vitae; one letter of recommendation; proposed Leadership Development Plan and preliminary budget; optional supporting materials demonstrating leadership, service, or community impact.

Fellowship Commitment

Selected Fellows are expected to:

Participate in the annual two-day Leadership Fellows Retreat.
Develop and carry out an approved Leadership Development Plan.
Participate in periodic Fellowship meetings and activities.
Provide a brief year-end reflection describing their development and use of Fellowship resources.
Participate, when possible, in future Foundation activities and help encourage the next generation of leaders.

CertificationI certify that the information contained in this application is accurate and understand that, if selected, I am expected to participate fully in the Fellowship program.

Electronic Signature Date

Application Deadline: May 1, 2027

03 / Community investment

Applications Accepted on a Rolling Basis

Special Project Grants Application

About Special Project Grants

The Niculia “Nikki” Williams Education & Equity Foundation supports selected special projects that advance opportunity, strengthen communities, and reflect the values of education, service, wellness, faith, leadership, and youth development that shaped Nikki Williams' life and work.

Special Project Grants allow the Foundation to respond to promising community ideas, partnerships, programs, and emerging needs that align with its charitable mission.

Areas of Interest

Education and Educational Opportunity
Youth Development and Workforce Development
Girls' Leadership & Development
Sports and Recreation
Health & Wellness
Ministry and Community Outreach
Leadership Development
Other innovative projects consistent with the Foundation's mission and charitable purposes

Projects that create meaningful opportunities for children, young people, families, and communities facing barriers to opportunity are particularly encouraged.

Funding Priorities

Priority may be given to projects that:

Address an identifiable community need.
Expand access or opportunity.
Serve children, youth, young adults, women, families, or underserved communities.
Demonstrate strong community involvement or partnerships.
Have clear and achievable objectives.
Demonstrate responsible use of Foundation resources.
Have the potential for meaningful and lasting impact.
Reflect a commitment to service, equity, education, leadership, wellness, or community development.

Who May Apply

Applications may be considered from eligible nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, faith-based organizations, community organizations, and other charitable initiatives consistent with applicable law and the Foundation's policies.

The Foundation may request additional documentation regarding an applicant's organizational or tax-exempt status before making an award.

Application and Review Schedule

Special Project Grant applications are accepted throughout the year on a rolling basis.

The Foundation's Board of Directors meets quarterly—in January, April, July, and September—and will consider eligible Special Project Grant requests as part of its quarterly grantmaking review.

Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals sufficiently in advance of a quarterly Board meeting. Submission of an application does not guarantee consideration at the next scheduled meeting, and the Foundation may defer an application to a subsequent review period if additional information or review is required.

Funding decisions are subject to the availability of Foundation resources and the priorities established by the Board of Directors.

Online Application

Required fields are marked with an asterisk.

Organization Information

Organization/Project Name Primary Contact Title/Role Email Address Telephone Number Website if applicableOrganization Address

Project Information

Project Name Primary Area of Interest Amount Requested Total Project Budget Anticipated Project Start Date Anticipated Project Completion Date

Project DescriptionProvide a concise description of the proposed project, including what you intend to accomplish. Suggested length: 500 wordsWhat need, challenge, or opportunity does this project address? Who will benefit? Suggested length: 300–500 wordsPlease describe the individuals or communities the project will serve and the approximate number of people expected to participate or benefit. Describe the primary activities that will be supported by the requested grant. Suggested length: 300–500 wordsWhat results do you expect from this project, and how will you determine whether the project was successful? Suggested length: 250–500 wordsHow does this project advance the mission and values of the Niculia “Nikki” Williams Education & Equity Foundation? Suggested length: 250–500 wordsProvide a brief budget showing how Foundation funds would be used. Applicants may also upload a detailed project budget.Please identify other confirmed or anticipated sources of funding for this project, if applicable.

Supporting Materials

Secure document follow-up / document submissionPlease identify which of the following you can provide if requested: project budget; organization operating budget; IRS determination letter or other documentation of charitable status, when applicable; most recent annual report or organizational overview, if available; project timeline; letters of partnership or support, when relevant; additional documentation requested by the Foundation.

Grant Conditions

Organizations receiving Special Project Grants may be required to enter into a grant agreement specifying the charitable purpose of the award, approved uses of funds, reporting requirements, and other conditions established by the Foundation.

Grant recipients may be asked to submit a brief final report describing activities completed, individuals served, outcomes achieved, and how Foundation funds were used.

CertificationI certify that the information contained in this application is accurate and that any funds awarded will be used exclusively for the charitable purposes approved by the Foundation.

Authorized Representative Title Electronic Signature Date

Applications may be submitted at any time. The Board of Directors meets in January, April, July, and September to review Foundation business and consider Special Project Grant requests.

Questions regarding Special Project Grants may be directed to info@niculiawilliams.org.