Best Grants for International Development

The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County

At The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County, we make it easy to give back to the community we all love through comprehensive and trusted charitable giving. We partner with donors, professional advisors and nonprofits to fund local needs through community endowments and support to charities. By expertly managing these funds in-house or with local financial advisors, we’re able to power the arts, faith-based initiatives, environmental grants, human services, domestic and wildlife animal organizations and educational initiatives that help to strengthen our community and make it a vibrant place to live and work. 

Emory & Henry University Scholarship

The Emory & Henry University Scholarship was established by alumni, David W. Driver, to support Harrisonburg & Rockingham County students attending his alma mater. 

This scholarship is renewable.

The Lenore Marshall Poetry Prize, established in 1975, awards $25,000 to the best book of poetry published in the U.S. the previous year. It includes a ten-day residency at Glen Hollow, New York, and distribution to Academy of American Poets members. Eligible poets must be U.S. citizens or residents and submit original works published in the prior year. Self-published books and translations are ineligible, promoting excellence in contemporary American poetry.

The Hearst Journalism Awards Program, established in 1960, supports undergraduate journalism education through a range of competitions and substantial awards totaling up to $700,000. Open to students enrolled in ACEJMC-accredited institutions, the program encourages excellence in writing, photojournalism, audio, television, and multimedia. With opportunities for individual and group submissions, it aims to foster talent and enrich the field of journalism, while the Hearst Foundation continues its legacy of educational philanthropy.

The American Cetacean Society, San Francisco Bay Chapter offers research grants to support marine biologists and advanced degree students in Northern California. These grants aim to enhance understanding and protection of cetaceans and their habitats, especially in the context of human impact and climate change. Eligible applicants can find more details and apply through the provided link. Awards include the Christine Fitzsimmons, Isidore Szczepaniak, and Jonathan Stern Cetacean Research Grants.

The Wispact Foundation Grant, established in 2021, aims to improve the lives of persons with disabilities in Wisconsin. Managed by the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, it provides grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing critical areas such as housing, assistive devices, and inclusive education. The foundation prioritizes proposals that enhance living conditions and accessibility, while excluding capital campaigns and retroactive funding. This initiative fosters community impact and supports organizations dedicated to disability services.

The Jean M. Walker Grant, administered by The Miccio Foundation, aims to enhance public awareness regarding the humane treatment of animals, focusing primarily on companion animals. It supports educational initiatives and actions to end inhumane treatments, such as workshops and media campaigns. Projects that demonstrate measurable impacts on animal welfare and can be replicated in other communities are particularly encouraged. Grants are available to qualifying organizations dedicated to animal welfare.

The Community Foundation of NCW is a tax-exempt philanthropic organization that helps individuals, families, businesses, and agencies support charitable causes throughout Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties.

Grace Ekman Whitley Scholarship

Grace Ekman Whitley taught school in Leavenworth, Manson, Tonasket and Wenatchee High Schools. She had no children, but she loved the children in her classrooms as her own. This scholarship was established at the Community Foundation in order to support graduating seniors from Cascade, Manson, Tonasket and Wenatchee High Schools. Each year, the committee seeks to award students who demonstrate perseverance and commitment, work ethic, strong academic improvement, motivation, and who have overcome disadvantages.

The Miccio Foundation offers Standard and Mini Grants to organizations in Iowa dedicated to animal welfare. Eligible groups include shelters and humane societies with 501c3 status. Grants can fund projects like spay/neuter programs and facility renovations, aiming for immediate, measurable impacts in local communities. Standard grants may reach up to $10,000, while Mini grants offer up to $1,500. The Foundation prioritizes projects that enhance animal health and operational efficiency.

The P.B. Dews Lifetime Achievement Award for Research in Behavioral Pharmacology is a biennial honor recognizing outstanding contributions in behavioral pharmacology. Sponsored by the ASPET Division for Behavioral Pharmacology, it celebrates excellence in research and teaching. The award, supported by various esteemed organizations, includes a $1,000 honorarium, a plaque, and partial travel expenses for the recipient to present a special lecture at the ASPET Annual Meeting. Nominations are open to ASPET members.

The J.H. Woods Early Career Award in Behavioral Pharmacology recognizes outstanding original research by early career investigators in the field. Sponsored by the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, this annual award includes a $500 honorarium, a commemorative certificate, and up to $750 for travel expenses to the ASPET Annual Meeting. Candidates must be ASPET members and nominated by an existing member, ensuring a commitment to excellence in behavioral pharmacology.

The Strong Foundation Grant offers funding for youth-oriented programs and organizations in Hawaii, with an emphasis on major capital needs. Organizations can apply for one grant every three years, and must secure sponsorship from a Strong Foundation trustee to submit a request. This ensures that the trustee is knowledgeable about the charity's mission and can advocate on its behalf during the foundation's annual meeting.

About Us

For over three decades, the Hamilton Education Foundation (HEF) has been sparking innovation and expanding horizons within our classrooms. Since 1991, this community-powered non-profit has channeled more than $2.5 million from passionate individuals, local businesses, and forward-thinking organizations directly into the hands of Hamilton’s students and teachers. 

By funding transformative workshops, creative projects, and classroom grants, HEF doesn't just support education—it inspires students to dream bigger, rewards academic excellence, and builds a stronger, more vibrant community.

Our Vision

The vision of the Hamilton Education Foundation is to assist in achieving creative and academic excellence for the 21st Century through funding activities and projects for students and educators in the Hamilton School District.

Our Mission

Our mission, in partnership with the community, is to fund, Enhanced, Extended, and Enriched learning opportunities for students and educators in the Hamilton School District.

Teacher Grants

Educator Enrichment Grant

The Educator Enrichment Grant funds teacher participation in off-campus professional development, including seminars, workshops, conferences, and externships. 

The ZCM: Myrtle Lee for Moms’ Scholarship, offered by the Zonta Club of Minneapolis, empowers single mothers in the Twin Cities Metro Area to pursue higher education. Named in honor of past Club President Myrtle Lee, this scholarship provides up to $1500 to support women in their educational journeys, encouraging personal and professional growth. Eligible applicants must be working single mothers enrolled in accredited institutions, pursuing any field of study.

PetSmart Charities

We’re proud to celebrate over 30 years of being the leading funder of animal welfare in communities across North America. Since 1994, we’ve granted over $600 million to change-making organizations that help transform the lives of pets and those who love them.

Our Mission: We make the world a better place for pets by investing in community partners that advocate and care for the well-being of pets and all who love them.

Adoption Growth Grants 

Purpose

Adoption Growth grants drive lifesaving outcomes by supporting successful, sustainable in-store adoption programs, events, and results in partnership with PetSmart stores.

Funding Support

Funding may be used for costs associated with building or enhancing your organization’s adoption program in partnership with PetSmart stores, including:

• Staff positions supporting in-store adoption programs and events.
• Marketing and advertising for in-store adoption programs.
• Volunteer or foster support, incentives, and recruitment related to in-store adoption events.
• Event supplies, including containment and enrichment materials.
• Shelter software and technology needs.
• Vehicle repairs or transportation to adoption events.
• Innovative in-store adoption ideas and pilot programs.
• Other costs directly associated with facilitating PetSmart adoptions and in-store events.

There are two Cohorts under this funding: Cohort 1-  Accelerating in-store adoptions; and Cohort 2: Capacity Building.

Cohort 2: Capacity Building

Applicants must have completed at least one adoption in a PetSmart store within the last 12 months.

Preference will be given to organizations seeking to build a consistent, sustainable in-store adoption program. Applications should include a clear plan, with examples, for sustaining the program over time.

Four Required Steps

Applicants must complete all four required steps below before submitting a grant application:

• Step 1 - Watch the kick-off video and complete the Adoption Accessibility Questionnaire
• Step 2 - Confirm eligibility and connect with your Adoptions Grant Manager: After completing the questionnaire, you will receive an email confirming your eligibility. Eligible partners will be invited to a call with their Adoptions Grant Manager to discuss the grant opportunity, expectations, and potential fit.
• Step 3 - Engage your PetSmart store partners: Discuss your intent to apply, align on goals, and gain their commitment to support the success of your in-store adoption program.
• Step 4-  Submit your application.

Our Mission

We strengthen our community for current and future generations by helping people make a difference in the lives of all.

We believe in our community’s lasting goodness. In fact, making sure our community is always a special place for us to live is why we’re here.

Scholarships

Through the generosity of our donors, we have more than $2 million in scholarships available in 2025 to students from more than 60 high schools. We offer scholarships to high school seniors, college and nontraditional students, and K-12 art and music camps and lessons.

The Academy Martial Arts Leadership Scholarship

Background

The Academy Martial Arts Leadership has been serving families in the Fox Cities since 1995. As the founders/owners, Jeff & Amanda Denu have been passionate about making our community stronger one Black Belt at a time teaching martial arts, while reinforcing respect, self-discipline, integrity, and excellence. Their passion with community involvement and creating a positive learning environment inspires others to be their personal best, and to make a difference every day.

The Scientific Achievement Award in Drug Discovery and Development honors exceptional researchers who have significantly advanced the fields of drug discovery and development. This award recognizes contributions across various therapeutic modalities and invites nominations from ASPET members in good standing. Awardees will present at the ASPET Annual Meeting, receive travel reimbursement, complimentary registration, and a commemorative plaque, celebrating their impactful work in enhancing drug development processes.

The Alaska Literary Awards, established in 2014 by the Alaska Arts and Culture Foundation, support literary artists in poetry, fiction, and more. With annual awards of $5,000, the program aims to recognize quality work from Alaska residents. Applicants must be over 18 and not enrolled in full-time studies. The awards allow recipients the freedom to use the funds as they wish, fostering creativity and growth in Alaska's literary community.

The Child Health Research Awards Program, funded by the Charles H. Hood Foundation, aims to support young investigators in pediatric research. It provides two-year grants of $200,000 to newly independent faculty, encouraging creativity and the transition to other funding sources. This initiative is pivotal in advancing children's health by fostering innovative research projects in New England, ultimately enhancing the well-being of children and families through early career support and funding opportunities.

The Beautiful Olean Fund, managed by the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation, supports beautification projects in Olean, focusing on enhancing the walkable streetscape. Established in 1994, the Foundation connects donors with community needs, funding initiatives in education, arts, and health. Grants prioritize tax-exempt organizations and projects that provide essential community services. This fund aims to engage local stakeholders in creating a more beautiful and vibrant city for residents and visitors alike.

The Waipahu Community Foundation Grant supports programs that benefit Waipahu's youth, focusing on education, cultural activities, and addressing juvenile delinquency. Grants, capped at $5,000 per quarter, are available to IRS-approved 501(c)(3) organizations and government units within the 96797 ZIP code. The foundation encourages participation in community programs regardless of financial ability, ensuring equitable access to essential resources for all youth in the area.

The Christa McAuliffe Sabbatical provides a unique opportunity for exceptional New Hampshire public school teachers to take a year-long leave of absence. This award allows teachers to engage in a self-designed project that fosters new ideas and enhances classroom teaching. Funded by the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, this sabbatical aims to inspire educators and improve educational practices through innovative exploration and professional growth.

The John M. Ross Foundation offers a Major Capital Grant to support tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations on Hawaii's Big Island. Focused on aiding teens aged 11-18, the grant prioritizes programs addressing higher needs, such as financial difficulties or limited family support. Eligible projects may receive funding for specific equipment or materials that directly benefit these youth. Fields of interest include Arts, Education, Environment, Health, Human Services, Religion, and Community.

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley 

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) empowers individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to fulfill their philanthropic goals through the establishment of charitable funds that support the needs of Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties. With over $100 million in assets, CFHV manages nearly 600 charitable funds and has distributed more than $777 million in grants and scholarships since January 2000. We lead initiatives to address urgent community needs such as food insecurity and educational challenges, offering both immediate relief and long-term support.

Maria E. McCarthy Ringwood Memorial Scholarship

Established by the family of Maria McCarthy Ringwood to honor her memory and love of theater, this scholarship is available to Roy C. Ketcham High School and Our Lady of Lourdes High School college-bound graduating seniors who have actively participated in theater in school.

Type of Award

One-time scholarship payable to school

Current High School

Our Lady of Lourdes High School, Roy C. Ketcham High School

About The Community Foundation

We inspire enduring philanthropy and enable community solutions to make Harrisonburg and Rockingham County a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

Mission & Vision

We Make It Easy to Give Back to the Community We Love.

We strive to make Harrisonburg and Rockingham County a place where its people and the greater community prosper generation after generation.

Randy Michie Memorial Scholarship

The Randy Michie Memorial Scholarship was created in 2012 in memory of Randy Michie. Randy passed away in 2011 after a bout with cancer. During his career at William Monroe High School, he coached two state golf championship teams and two state basketball championship teams, but more than that, he touched the lives of hundreds of students through the years. He personally helped many pursue their college degrees. Randy’s widow, Denise, established the Randy Michie Memorial Scholarship Fund to support Greene County area high school students.

The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County

At The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County, we make it easy to give back to the community we all love through comprehensive and trusted charitable giving. We partner with donors, professional advisors and nonprofits to fund local needs through community endowments and support to charities. By expertly managing these funds in-house or with local financial advisors, we’re able to power the arts, faith-based initiatives, environmental grants, human services, domestic and wildlife animal organizations and educational initiatives that help to strengthen our community and make it a vibrant place to live and work. 

Northeast Neighborhood Endowed Scholarship

This fund supports post-secondary educational scholarships for graduating high school seniors who currently live in the Northeast Neighborhood community of Harrisonburg, Virginia. 

The NC Need-Based Scholarship for Private College Students, established by the 2011 North Carolina General Assembly, provides financial assistance to residents attending private colleges in North Carolina. Eligible students must be undergraduates enrolled in at least 6 credit hours, demonstrate financial need via the FAFSA, and not hold a previous bachelor’s degree. This program aims to support those with a Student Aid Index of 15,000 or less, ensuring access to higher education.

The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County

At The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County, we make it easy to give back to the community we all love through comprehensive and trusted charitable giving. We partner with donors, professional advisors and nonprofits to fund local needs through community endowments and support to charities. By expertly managing these funds in-house or with local financial advisors, we’re able to power the arts, faith-based initiatives, environmental grants, human services, domestic and wildlife animal organizations and educational initiatives that help to strengthen our community and make it a vibrant place to live and work. 

Luis A. Mendez, Jr. Scholarship

This scholarship honors the memory of Luis Mendez, a gifted pianist that performed with legendary entertainers, big bands and musicians from his early days in the U.S. Army and over the next six decades. While he loved to play music, his passion in life was to share his talent as a music educator. Luis impacted the lives of countless individuals throughout his 50 years of teaching choral and instrumental music in El Paso, Texas; Mansfield, Ohio; and Polk County, Florida. Humble, witty and kind, Luis loved his students and maintained relationships with many of them throughout his entire lifetime.

This scholarship supports graduating seniors of Harrisonburg City and Rockingham County high schools who are pursuing a college degree with aspirations to teach in the music or arts field. Strong consideration will be given to eligible applicants that demonstrate significant community involvement.