Established in 2022
Riley I Whitelaw Memorial Fund
Thank you to the many donors who continue to support our mission! We can’t do this without you!
Through the immediate processing of Riley’s horrific death our family sought an outlet of positivity in the face of our huge loss. We were compelled to create a light in Riley’s honor that might help other students like Riley achieve their potential by offering academic scholarships and art/other grants. We’ve been intentional to ensure we keep her interests in mind and to honor Riley and her genuine true & kind nature along with her dedication to learning and growth. From the generous donations of family, friends and the community, we were inspired to perpetuate her legacy with our establishment of the Riley I Whitelaw Memorial Fund.
It is our hope to be able to continue Riley’s legacy of kindness long past our lifetime and ensure we help other students by lessening their financial burdens of college or other vocations that help them thrive into adulthood. This fund also strives to support students by helping teachers in their classrooms who make a positive impact everyday!
With what started as a grassroots “gofundme” we formally established the Riley I Whitelaw Memorial Fund 501(c)3. We received our Letter of Determination from the IRS in December of 2022.
Kind like Riley
Riley was/is (because writing in past tense seems so hard) a true empath and everyone that knows her would tell you so. We don't just say it because she’s our daughter, granddaughter, cousin or friend. She just is. Riley’s emotional intelligence is beyond her years. She was a straight A student, worked part-time, volunteered at the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region and was active in colorguard and winterguard at her high school. In fact, she was going to be named co-captain for her color/winterguard team for her senior year until her life was taken. In school, Riley was known by her peers and teachers to be a "light,” always smiling (“Smiley Riley”) and a quiet, confident leader.
2025–2026 Academic Year Offerings
Our scholarship and grants are designed to honor Riley’s legacy by promoting kindness, creativity, and community engagement among students and educators across Colorado Springs.
Colorado Springs City-Wide** College Scholarship
One $10,000 scholarship, paid in installments over four academic years
Applicants must complete a community-impact and/or “passion” project reflecting the fund’s core values of kindness, creativity, and community engagement
Application opens: Week of Thanksgiving 2025 with Part 1 closing January 20, 2026
Open to High School Seniors in Colorado Springs**
For common questions about this application, watch our Roundtable FAQs Video
Air Academy High School College Scholarship(s)
Riley’s “alma mater” and our 4th year offered to AAHS only
$7,000+ in total scholarship(s) for graduating seniors at Air Academy High School
Recognizes students who exemplify kindness, creativity, and a passion for community engagement
Application opens: January 20 – April 3, 2026
Career & Technical Education Scholarship
One $3,000 scholarship for a student pursuing a CTE degree or certificate post high school graduation
Application opens: January 20 – April 3, 2026 (closing date subject to change)
Open to all 2026 graduating high school seniors**
COS Student Creative Grants (6th to 12th grade)
Six grants of up to $500 each are available to students in grades 6 to 12 city-wide**
Supports creative pursuits such as professional arts classes, music lessons, or supplies
Application/Nomination opens: January 20 – April 3, 2026 (closing date subject to change)
Students may apply or be nominated by a teacher
COS Teacher Grants (city-wide 6th to 12th grade**)
Four grants of up to $500 each are available. Grants to pay out during Spring semester (2026)
Supports classroom projects or experiences that foster kindness, creativity, and community engagement
Application open: October 1 – November 14, 2025
**Includes Colorado Springs school districts: 2, 3, 8, 11, 12, 20 and 49
Apply for a
Scholarship or Grant
The first two scholarships and four grants from Riley's fund were awarded May 2023 to graduating seniors in Riley's class.
Each year we have new scholarship and grant offerings. Follow our Facebook and Instagram accounts for the latest updates and offerings!
We are working towards our long-term goals which include additional scholarships city-wide and that this Memorial Fund will be around long past our lifetime in honor of Riley. Riley deserves to live on in many ways and our motto has become: "Kindness Matters” as she is one of the kindest humans many have ever known. We are heartbroken that she is not here to continue carrying kindness forward, and therefore we must do that for her.
Scholarships and Grants
Coming Soon for the
2025/26 School Year: