Scholarships and Grants

2027 Scholarship Applications

(Updates To Come Spring 2027)

The Davis Island Fishing Foundation (DIFF) offers seven scholarship opportunities established to honor some of its founding members. They are awarded annually.

The DIFF Board of Directors allocates $2,500 annually from the fishing tournament proceeds to fund five $500 scholarships. The Jones family established a scholarship to honor the late Gordon Jones. Friends and family of Clyde Cheek have donated the funding for a scholarship to honor Clyde. The deadline for submitting applications is April 15, 2027.

Applications can be found online (here) or can be requested from Rich Lambert (rglamber@uncc.edu). Applications can be submitted electronically to the same email address, or mailed to: Rich Lambert, DIFF Scholarship Chairperson, 124 E. Lockman St., Fort Mill, SC 29715.

BK Barringer Scholarship

This scholarship is available to high school seniors graduating in the upcoming year (2026) and planning to attend a four-year university. The applicant must be a current DIFF member or relative of a current DIFF member.

Apply Now

Jack Dunaway Continuing Scholarship

This scholarship is available to an enrolled university student who has completed a minimum of 12 credit hours and has a minimum grade point average of 3.0. The applicant must be a current DIFF member or relative of a current DIFF member.

Apply Now

Don Eury College Student Scholarship

This scholarship is available to a sophomore, junior, senior or graduate student in a four year university. The student must be enrolled in marine or wildlife biology or a curriculum that stresses environmental conservation. The applicant does not have to be a current DIFF member or a relative of a current DIFF member, however current DIFF members or relatives of current DIFF members are preferred.

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Glen Green Graduate Student Scholarship

This scholarship is available to a current graduate student or one enrolled for graduate level work. Applicants must be a current DIFF member or a relative of a current DIFF member.

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Mark Weir Student Scholarship

This scholarship is available to individuals planning to attend a two-year community college. It is open to traditional students (high school seniors) and non-traditional students (individuals seeking a career change through additional training and degrees). Applicants must be a current DIFF member or a relative of a current DIFF member.

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Gordon Jones Scholarship

This scholarship, which is funded by the Jones family, is available to UNC- Charlotte undergraduate or graduate students majoring in finance and related areas. The applicant does not have to be a DIFF member or a relative of a current DIFF member.

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Clyde Cheek Scholarship

This scholarship is funded by friends and family of Clyde Cheek and is available to undergraduate Naval ROTC students. The applicant does not have to be a DIFF member or a relative of a current DIFF member.

Apply Now

2026 DIFF Grant Awarded to Hand2Hand

The 2026 DIFF Grant, totaling $1,000, has been awarded to Hand2Hand, a non-profit organization based in Smyrna, NC. This grant was made possible by the revenue generated from participants in the 2025 Fall DIFF Tournament.

Each year, the DIFF Grant is awarded to a non-profit serving the Down East communities. The recipient is selected by the Board of Directors, based on recommendations provided after researching potential recipients. These recommendations focus on organizations offering essential services to the Down East region, which spans from the North River to Cedar Island.

Hand2Hand: A Vital Resource in Down East
Located next to George’s Pizza in Smyrna, Hand2Hand offers a wide range of services to various Down East communities, including:

Transportation assistance for doctor visits, grocery shopping, and more.
Discounted or free lawn care and general house cleaning.
Help with appliance and vehicle repairs.
Weekly meal distribution on Mondays for shut-ins, veterans, the homeless, and others in need.

On average, Hand2Hand provides 65 meals each Monday, but on March 4th, they set a new record by distributing 90 meals in a single day.

How Hand2Hand Operates
Hand2Hand relies heavily on volunteer hours and donations to sustain its services. Food donations come from generous sources, including Lookout Grocery in Smyrna, Food Lion and Piggly Wiggly in Beaufort, and other anonymous contributors. Additionally, Hand2Hand supports its mission through income generated by its Thrift Store, Ice Cream Shop, and Flea Mall, all located near George’s Pizza in Smyrna.

Hand 2 Hand recipient of a DIFF Grant for community work

Grants

At DIFF Club, we are dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of those in need. Our annual Grants program provides vital support to local organizations offering essential services like house cleaning, transportation to doctor visits, and meals for our community members. Together, we can forge a brighter future and uplift those who need it most. Apply today to be part of this incredible journey of giving.