Best Grants for International Development in California

The Butler County Scholarship, established by the Central Alabama Community Foundation, aims to support graduating African American seniors from Georgiana School, Greenville High School, and McKenzie School. Annually, one scholarship is awarded, with the amount determined each year. Recipients may renew the scholarship for up to three additional years, provided they submit a high school transcript and references during the application process. This initiative underscores a commitment to educational advancement in the community.

The NIDCD Research Fellowship for Audiologists provides clinical audiologists enrolled in Ph.D. programs with essential research training. This initiative encourages the integration of clinical and translational research, fostering strong research foundations vital for advancing audiology and hearing healthcare. Although applications are not currently being solicited, the program aims to prepare potential candidates for meaningful collaborations and impactful research projects in the biomedical, behavioral, or clinical sciences.

The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) funding opportunity aims to enhance safety on roads for all users by supporting planning, infrastructure, and operational initiatives. For fiscal year 2026, funds will be awarded competitively to projects that prevent fatalities and serious injuries among pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation users, motorists, and commercial vehicle operators. This initiative underscores the commitment to creating safer road environments.

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

National Federation of the Blind Scholarships

All other scholarships proudly carry the name National Federation of the Blind. Our members acknowledge academic excellence and leadership in making these awards.

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

Kurzweil Foundation and Ray Kurzweil

The Kurzweil Foundation and Ray Kurzweil contribute to each recipient’s award, and provide each finalist with a commemorative plaque in both print and Braille. Ray Kurzweil is a long-time friend of the Federation and deserves our special recognition.

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

Jesse and Hertha Adams Charitable Trust Scholarship

The Jesse and Hertha Adams Trust Scholarship is made available for those individuals who wish to achieve their dreams. Success is acknowledged through hard work and the effort you put forth. And the Jesse and Hertha Adams Scholarship acknowledges both. In addition to funding this named scholarship, the trust generously contributes to our program travel expenditures for our winners and many of our National Federation of the Blind other scholarships.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Lo Family Scholarship

The Lo Family Scholarship Fund was established in 2024 by Frank Lo, second generation owner of long-standing popular Marion restaurant House of Hunan. The Lo Family has been a part of the Marion community for almost 40 years.

The Lo Scholarship supports students who, like them, are first generation Americans and immigrants to the United States. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident. This scholarship is open to students who have attended a high school in Marion County for at least two years and maintained a GPA or 2.5 or greater.

Special consideration is given to applicants pursuing a career in the fields of hospitality, culinary, or nursing and health care.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Eddie Shelton Agricultural Scholarship

The Eddie Shelton Agricultural Scholarship was created in 2011 by M. Joan Shelton to memorialize her late husband, Eddie (1938-2010). Born in Kentucky, Eddie moved to Marion in the early 1940s. Following his graduation from Harding High School, he worked for the National Cash Register Company and Ohio Edison, as well as served in Army, before finding his true passion in farming.

In 1967, he married Joan, having met on a blind date, and helped work his father-in-law’s farm. This “city boy turned farmer” raised livestock and grain and the couple became the first family in Marion County to join the Ohio Farmland Preservation Act, ensuring that their farm could only be used for agricultural purposes.

Eddie was an enthusiast of Model A Fords and John Deere tractors. He loved travel, golfing, hunting, fishing, and “most everything” about farming and the outdoors. His scholarship supports students from any Marion area high school pursuing a career in agriculture.

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

Edith R. and Alvin J. Domroe Foundation Scholarships

The Foundation supports college scholarships and has funded two scholarships to encourage academic excellence.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Clifford & Frances Strine Family Scholarship

While still in high school himself, Josh Strine chose to use a Christmas gift honor his great grandparents and family legacy with a permanent scholarship fund at Marion Community Foundation, created in 2017.

The Strine Scholarship supports graduating seniors from any high school located in Marion County, including home and e-school students, who have lived in the Marion area throughout their high school experience and who are active in either 4-H or FFA. Recipients must have maintained a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or higher and intend to pursue an education in the field of agriculture or education.

Special consideration is given to applicants who demonstrate financial need, as well as academic achievement, academic potential, community service, school citizenship, and communication skills.

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

Charles and Betty Allen Scholarship

The Charles and Betty Allen Scholarship, funded by Charles and Betty before their passing, is a reflection of their commitment to education. Charlie, who was extremely successful, left school at an early age to care for his family, but retained a strong belief in higher education.

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

E. U. and Gene Parker Scholarship

The E. U. and Gene Parker Scholarship honors two longtime leaders of the National Federation of the Blind whose participation stood for strong principles and strong support of the Federation's work.

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

Charles and Melva T. Owen Memorial Scholarships

First established by Charles Owen in loving memory of his blind wife, these two awards are now endowed to honor the memory of both. In founding these scholarships, Charles Owen wrote: "There shall be no limitation as to field of study, except that it shall be directed toward attaining financial independence.”

The CDC's initiative, 'Holistic and Evidence-Informed Wellness for STI Prevention', addresses the significant public health burden of STIs in the U.S. by promoting a comprehensive approach that emphasizes healthy choices and relationships. By supporting a coalition of sexual health experts, the program aims to enhance STI prevention through strategic resource allocation and the dissemination of high-quality, evidence-based materials, targeting priority groups most affected by STIs. This holistic strategy seeks to reduce STI morbidity and improve overall sexual health.

The Elizabeth Nash Foundation Scholarship supports individuals affected by cystic fibrosis (CF) in their pursuit of higher education. Since its inception in 2005, over 200 scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 have been awarded to undergraduates and graduates at accredited U.S. institutions. The selection process considers academic performance, character, leadership, community service, and financial need. To qualify, applicants must have a CF diagnosis and be U.S. citizens.

The Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) is a nonprofit organization established in 1948, dedicated to enhancing public appreciation of music. It offers free, live music programs across the United States and Canada, ensuring access to quality musical experiences for diverse communities. Funded by royalties from major record labels, the MPTF collaborates with local arts organizations to promote music education and performance, enriching lives through the power of music at no cost to attendees.

The Music Family Scholarship, funded by the Music Performance Trust Fund, aims to enhance music appreciation and accessibility for children and communities. Established in 1948, the MPTF provides free live music programs across the U.S. and Canada, focusing on underserved populations. Eligible applicants must have a parent in good standing with a Local AFM and be enrolled in higher education for fall 2025. This scholarship encourages artistic expression and community unity through music, fostering enriching experiences for all.

The Music's Future Scholarship, provided by the Music Performance Trust Fund, aims to enhance music education by offering financial support to students enrolled in music degree programs. The scholarship requires applicants to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, submit a letter of reference, a resume, a personal statement, and a prior semester transcript. This initiative not only encourages academic excellence but also addresses the importance of music in education, fostering opportunities for students to discuss improvements in music education.

The Mary Lou and Dwight Pitman Scholarship supports area public high school students in Sangamon County, excluding Springfield and Chatham districts, who have siblings planning to attend college. Established through the Sangamon County Foundation in 1924, this scholarship honors the legacy of community leaders and aims to empower the next generation by aiding students' educational pursuits. Eligible applicants include graduating high school seniors and current college students who are direct descendants of U.S. Service Members.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

About

Our Strong Community Framework — the first-ever philanthropic vision for the Adirondack region — guides our approach to investing in promising opportunities across our five "whole community" focus areas. In partnership with generous donors and capable nonprofits, we bring all the tools of a community foundation to bear to meet today's pressing needs and build charitable resources for the needs of tomorrow. 

Scholarships

What could be more important for the future of the Adirondack region than to educate our children? As one of five key interest areas for what we fund, creating educational pathways helps to ensure all students in the Adirondacks have meaningful opportunities to pursue post-secondary education, career training, and pathways to gainful employment and fulfilling lives. Scholarships can play a pivotal role in helping students better themselves, no matter their life stage or path.

Scholarship funds at Adirondack Community Foundation have been created to benefit specific educational institutions or fields of study. The most common way we distribute scholarships is in partnership with schools across our region that manage scholarship committees that select recipients based on guidelines set forth by fundholders. We also have some scholarship funds to which students can apply directly for support. All scholarship funds use a competitive application process to make decisions.

Sean P. McCullough Memorial Scholarship

The Sean P. McCullough Memorial Scholarship Fund was named after Sean McCullough, a Plattsburgh High School senior who died tragically on May 14, 2005. Learn more about Sean here or watch the video above.

The scholarship supports outstanding graduating seniors from any New York State Section VII high school that plans to continue their education at the college level. Students must be a member of the school track team, embody school spirit, demonstrate academic strength, dedication, competitive spirit, and good leadership skills.

There is no student application for this scholarship. Students must be nominated by their track coach.

Scholarship amounts are up to $1,750.

Geographic Focus

New York State Section VII schools

The Dr. U.R. Plante Medical Scholarship, established by the Adirondack Foundation, honors the legacy of Dr. U.R. Plante, a dedicated physician in rural New York. This scholarship aims to support students from the Adirondack region pursuing medical education, with amounts up to $10,000. Eligible applicants must be accepted into an accredited medical school and demonstrate a commitment to serving their community post-graduation. This initiative not only fosters education but also encourages the return of healthcare professionals to underserved areas.

The Tower Family Foundation Scholarship offers merit-based financial assistance to employees and dependents of NATE Member Companies, including those affected by severe injuries or disabilities. Valued up to $5,000 annually for full-time students, this scholarship supports tuition and related expenses. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 2.5 and can renew their scholarships for up to four years. Applications are evaluated based on academic achievement and written essays.

The PERF: Infrastructure/Registry Research Grant focuses on developing new multicenter infrastructures or enhancing existing programs in pediatric neurology. It aims to advance clinical research, particularly in pediatric epilepsy, supporting projects that train and mentor young investigators. The grant offers up to $300,000 for a duration of three years, with an emphasis on mentorship for both senior and early-stage investigators, ensuring the growth of expertise in the field.

The Vascular Care for the Underserved Project Grants, funded by the Society for Vascular Surgery Foundation, aim to address disparities in vascular care for women. With a grant of $20,000, this initiative focuses on enhancing access, inclusion, and gender-specific research in vascular health. It supports innovative projects that aim to improve care delivery to underserved women and ensure equitable representation in vascular research, ultimately aiming to advance health outcomes and address historical exclusions in clinical studies.

The Allen Family Career Advancement Grant (AFCAG) offers financial support for credentialing, licensure, internships, degrees, or certificates for working residents in Essex, Elizabethtown, Lewis, Westport, or Willsboro, NY. Award amounts range from $250 to $3,000 annually, with renewal options available based on academic progress. This grant aims to enhance career opportunities and foster educational pathways, ensuring that eligible residents can pursue their professional goals effectively.

The Alfred M. Aseel Legacy Scholarship honors the memory of Alfred Aseel’s parents and supports non-traditional students from Tupper Lake and surrounding areas in their pursuit of higher education. With a grant maximum of $5,000 annually, this scholarship aims to empower students to reinvent their futures through accredited colleges, universities, trade schools, or certification programs in the U.S. Eligibility includes a minimum GPA of 2.5 and a commitment to personal growth and integrity.