When college scholarships are awarded each year, many deserving applicants compete for limited opportunities. Greenville residents Ann and Michael Chengrian noticed this and wondered what happens to the students who don’t receive awards but would have been next in line, whose efforts and aspirations also deserve encouragement.
The Chengrians, longtime supporters of education and other causes, typically meet annually with Community Foundation of Greenville to help inform their personal giving. Last year they reached out to Ryan Thackray, director of development, for advice on how to create a fund to provide opportunities for more students pursuing a college degree.
The result was the Next Up Fund, established in 2025. Working in partnership with CFG’s existing annual scholarship program, the fund expands access to resources to help promising students pursue their educational goals.
“The Next Up Fund exists to champion students who demonstrate determination, promise and a commitment to their future,” Thackray said. “By offering additional awards through the foundation’s annual scholarship program, it helps open doors for students who are ready to take their next step toward educational success.”
Students who submit applications to CFG’s program are considered for all of the scholarships. Now, some can benefit from the Next Up Fund.
CFG President Bob Morris and Ryan Thackray worked with Mike and Ann Chengrian (center) to reach their charitable goals.“Community Foundation of Greenville was already doing all the vetting for the current scholarships, so they’re in a better position than we are to choose recipients,” Michael Chengrian said. “They read through literally hundreds of applications, including some from students who are perfectly worthy, but may not meet the criteria for one of the other scholarships.”
In addition to expanding access for students, the Chengrians hope the Next Up Fund will create more opportunities for community members who want to help students but may not be ready to endow their own scholarship.
“Community Foundation is one of the most respected and trusted nonprofits in the Upstate,” Ann Chengrian said. “We’re grateful they were willing to think outside the box and try something new.”
“We hope others will be inspired to join us for this or similar programs,” Michael Chengrian said. “That way, whatever success this program achieves will continue after we’re no longer able to participate.”
Thackray said the Chengrians were fun to work with, and he and others at CFG enjoyed helping them turn their idea into a reality.
“We listen to community members and we’re open to innovative solutions to help them reach their philanthropic goals,” he said. “We’re here to collaborate to help donors have impact in Greenville.”
To discuss creative ways to reach your charitable goals, contact Ryan Thackray at rthackray@cfgreenville.org.
To learn more about scholarships, visit cfgreenville.org/grants-impact/scholarships.
Visit cfgreenville.org to learn more about the Community Foundation of Greenville.
