Best Grants for International Development

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.

Regional Scholarships

We believe that post-secondary education is key to healthy, resilient, and thriving communities and are pleased to partner with generous community donors to create and offer a variety of scholarship opportunities for local students across the region.

Traverse City Track Club Scholarship Endowment (Regional)

Available to graduating high school seniors or current college students from Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska or Leelanau County. Eligible students will have demonstrated involvement with running, as a high school or college athlete or through participation in organized running events.

The Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment offers Community-Led Grants to support Wisconsin-based learning events aimed at enhancing the skills and networks of health workforce professionals. With a total funding of $100,000 available, eligible organizations can apply for up to $5,000 to cover event-specific expenses. This initiative emphasizes addressing learning gaps and fostering health equity, ensuring impactful contributions to community health outcomes.

The Dog Enrichment Grant, offered by the Petfinder Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life for dogs awaiting adoption through enrichment activities and items. Grants are available for play yard renovations (up to $3,000) and interactive items (up to $1,000). Applications are accepted monthly until funds are depleted, and the window closes on November 1. Eligible expenses must be utilized within three months, and reimbursement requests will not be accepted.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Nevada support organizations in facilitating self-help housing projects for low-income families. By providing technical assistance, these grants enable participants to build their homes collaboratively, fostering community development. Eligible areas can be verified through the USDA Eligibility Site. The program emphasizes the importance of assisting families with loan applications and project participation, while prohibiting funding for direct construction work or purchasing materials.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Nebraska provide funding to organizations that assist low-income families in constructing their own homes. This program encourages community collaboration, where participants contribute labor under the guidance of qualified organizations. Eligible applicants include government non-profits, federally-recognized tribes, and private non-profits. Funds support technical assistance, family recruitment, and loan application processes, while prohibiting expenses related to hiring construction labor or purchasing materials.

The CFNF Share Your Story Video Challenge Grant provides $1,500 grants to nonprofit organizations in Leon County that serve Low-to-Moderate Income (LMI) individuals. This initiative encourages nonprofits to showcase their impact through video storytelling, highlighting their support for the community. The Community Foundation of North Florida, in partnership with Prime Meridian Bank, aims to empower these organizations to enhance their outreach and operational capabilities while fostering community engagement.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Montana support qualified organizations in facilitating local self-help housing projects. These grants enable very-low- and low-income families to construct their homes with guidance and technical assistance. Eligible areas can be verified through the USDA Eligibility Site, and funds can be utilized for recruiting families and providing necessary supervision and assistance throughout the housing construction process.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Minnesota provide essential funding to qualified organizations for managing self-help housing projects. This initiative supports very-low- and low-income families as they collaboratively build homes in rural areas, fostering community involvement and skill development. Eligible organizations include government non-profits and tribes, while grant funds can be utilized for technical assistance and family recruitment. This program plays a crucial role in addressing housing needs in underserved communities.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Mississippi support organizations that assist low-income families in constructing their own homes. This program empowers participants to collaborate in building homes in rural areas, providing them with essential technical and supervisory assistance. Eligible applicants include government non-profits and tribes, while funds cannot be used for hiring construction workers or purchasing materials. This initiative aims to foster community involvement and self-sufficiency among participants.

The Equitable Community-Designed Outdoor Spaces Grant, offered by the Colorado Health Foundation, supports planning grants for designing and constructing inclusive outdoor spaces like parks and playgrounds in Colorado. This initiative emphasizes community engagement, allowing families and youth, particularly from low-income and communities of color, to co-design their recreational areas, fostering health equity and belonging. Grants range from $25,000 to $50,000 and prioritize projects that address historical disparities in access to safe outdoor amenities.

The American Urological Association offers Medical Student Fellowships to enhance urological research. This program allows exceptional medical students to engage in mentored research with leading urologic scientists, receiving a stipend of $4,000. The initiative aims to cultivate the next generation of urologic researchers. Importantly, research projects no longer require a full 10-week commitment during summer, providing greater flexibility for participants. This fellowship is a significant opportunity for young investigators to contribute to advancements in urological care.

The American Urological Association's Residency Research Award supports urology residents in their research training, aimed at fostering future leaders in urologic research. Each award provides $10,000 for essential research supplies and resources for projects lasting 3-12 months. Recipients must dedicate 80% of their time to research during this period, ensuring they build a strong foundation for their research careers.

The MPS Mathematical Sciences Research Programs (MPS MathSci) by the NSF supports diverse research initiatives in theoretical and applied mathematical sciences. Key areas include Algebra, Applied Mathematics, Combinatorics, and Mathematical Biology. The program encourages groundbreaking foundational research with flexible budgets and durations. Proposals do not need to promise immediate outcomes, allowing researchers to explore innovative concepts without the pressure of commercial viability.

The CEFA: Standard Bond Financing Grant Program offers affordable, tax-exempt bonds to nonprofit higher education institutions in California. This initiative allows eligible borrowers to finance construction, acquisition, and refinancing projects to enhance their facilities. CEFA's expertise in various financing structures ensures innovative solutions for educational institutions, supporting their mission to serve students effectively. With a strong emphasis on regional accreditation and operational history, this program aims to empower educational entities in improving their infrastructure and resources.

The Project Acceleration Notes and Credit Enhancement Alternatives (PANACEA) Program, funded by an $8 million federal grant, aims to enhance financing for charter schools in California. This program supports the construction, purchase, and renovation of school facilities by providing credit enhancements. Additionally, it helps schools awaiting long-term debt issuance through the Authority’s Conduit Bond and Note Financing Program. The PANACEA Program is crucial for improving educational infrastructure and fostering student success in underprivileged areas.

The Armstrong Foundation, established in 1949, focuses on funding educational initiatives that promote the significance of the U.S. Constitution. To be eligible, organizations must provide an IRS determination letter confirming their 501(c)(3) status. This foundation aims to enhance public understanding and appreciation of constitutional values through various educational mediums.

The American Urological Association's Research Scholar Award offers $40,000 annually for one or two years of mentored research training. This program aims to attract promising young investigators into urologic research, providing essential support to clinical and postdoctoral fellows within five years of completing their doctorate or residency and early career faculty within their first five years. This funding opportunity is crucial for fostering the next generation of urologic researchers.

The American Urological Association Rising Stars in Urology Research Award supports physician-scientists in their journey to become independent researchers in urology. By providing supplemental salary support for up to five years, the program ensures awardees maintain protected research time while receiving competitive compensation. This initiative encourages promising researchers to compete for further funding and enhances their training in urologic research, ultimately advancing the field and improving patient care.

The AUA Data Research Grant Program, funded by the American Urological Association Inc, aims to enhance urologic research by fostering a diverse group of dedicated professionals. This initiative focuses on bridging knowledge gaps in urology care and cultivating physician scientists through access to comprehensive data sources and mentorship from AUA Data Committee experts. By supporting innovative research, the program contributes significantly to the advancement of patient care in urology.

The Urology Care Foundation International Student Humanitarian Grant supports a medical student to undertake humanitarian work in Trinidad and Tobago. This grant is aimed at AUA Medical Student members, focusing on improving public health and urologic care for this underserved population. The project lasts 6-8 weeks during the summer, typically between the first and second years of medical school, encouraging diversity among applicants from accredited medical schools.

The DCCF Emergency Grants provide crucial support to nonprofit and governmental organizations in DeKalb County, IL, facing urgent funding needs due to unforeseen events. This initiative aims to ensure that essential services continue without interruption. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public sector organizations, while avoiding support for routine operational costs and other ineligible expenses. By prioritizing immediate community needs, the DeKalb County Community Foundation fosters resilience and equity within the region.

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.

Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) Scholarships

The Community Foundation is home to a variety of scholarships designated to benefit a graduating senior from Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS). 

Jim Ooley Scholarship Fund (Central, West)

When Jim Ooley retired in 1993 after 39 years of teaching and coaching, it was his desire to establish a scholarship fund to recognize an outstanding senior student athlete whose dedication and leadership exemplifies the ideals for which Jim Ooley stood.

One scholarship is awarded annually at each Central and West.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Ohio support local organizations in assisting low-income families to construct their own homes in rural areas. Grant recipients provide essential technical and supervisory assistance, enabling families to engage in the building process. This program fosters community development and empowers participants through self-help housing initiatives, ensuring they gain valuable skills while improving their living conditions.

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.

Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) Scholarships

The Community Foundation is home to a variety of scholarships designated to benefit a graduating senior from Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS). 

Achievement of Excellence Award (Central, West)

Available to a graduating senior who has distinguished him/herself through academic achievement, leadership, and proven skills in the adult roles of: Citizen, Healthy & Fit Individual, Family Life Member, Life-Long Learner, and Worker.

State-Aided Institutions (SAI) Field Trip Grant

This grant provides funds to Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to provide transportation to students for field trips to non-profit educational institutions that are qualified as State–Aided Institutions (SAIs). This program is intended to expand student access to enriching educational experiences offered by SAIs. Priority is provided for high-needs schools, being defined in this grant as a school having more than 40% of their enrolled students as receiving or eligible for the federal Free and Reduced Price Meal (FARMs) program.

Funding Amount Available

• $600,000 is available for this grant program.

Estimated Number of Grants

• Will vary based on the number of applications received.

The Massachusetts Bar Foundation (MBF) offers Special Projects Grants to support initiatives that enhance access to civil legal aid and improve the administration of justice. These grants are available for projects that may not meet the traditional eligibility criteria of the IOLTA Grants Program, but align with the MBF’s mission to ensure equal access to legal resources for all, especially vulnerable populations. Interested applicants should contact the MBF Grants Office for eligibility discussions.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in North Dakota provide essential funding to qualified organizations that assist low-income families in constructing their own homes. These grants enable local organizations to offer technical and supervisory support throughout the construction process, fostering community and self-reliance. Eligible applicants include government non-profits and federally-recognized Tribes, ensuring that resources are directed towards those in need of housing assistance. This program ultimately aims to enhance rural housing initiatives.