Love of Community, Public Service, and Balloons: The Grishkot Foundation Expands Scholarship Opportunities

The Grishkot Foundation was established in 2009, and is launching a new Joan Grishkot Memorial Scholarship program for college students studying for careers in nursing and related fields. The foundation is also continuing The Walter Grishkot Memorial Scholarship for college students studying for careers in aviation, aerospace and related fields. The Foundation will partner with the Kiwanis Club to administer both scholarship programs. These scholarship programs are open to college students who live in Warren, Washington, or Saratoga counties, and each scholarship will be at least $2,500 per year for up to four years.

Joan Grishkot (1942-2021) was Warren County Director of Health for 31 years; she was a volunteer who served on 28 regional healthcare organizations and charitable groups. She was instrumental in raising funds and administering annual scholarships in memory of her late husband, Walter Grishkot.

The Foundation President, Maury Thompson remembers Joan fondly: “I used to say that I was president, but Joan was prime minister. Joan’s interest in scholarship recipients didn’t stop with awarding the scholarships. She stayed in touch with scholars or their families, and was delighted to share their academic progress with others”  Thompson said. 

Walter Grishkot (1926-2011) predeceased his loving wife of 45 years. He was a photographer, publicist, event organizer and aviation enthusiast, and was known for his sense of humor – and locally known as co-founder of The Adirondack Balloon Festival. The Grishkot Foundation, based in Glens Falls, is funded by a bequest of the late Joan Griskot, and from private donations. A volunteer board manages the foundation’s investments and operates scholarship programs in collaboration with the Glens Falls Kiwanis Club.

The application period for both programs is now open – the deadline to apply for the 2023-2024 academic year for these scholarships is March 3, 2023.  Information about these scholarships can be found at: grishkotfoundation.org