Best Grants for International Development

About Us

Leadership. Collaboration. Impact.

The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley helps philanthropists support the causes closest to their heart while connecting local residents to the resources they need for a better quality of life.

Our Mission

To serve as a leader and advocate for strategic philanthropy, partnering with donors to anchor a permanent and growing endowment and making investments in the Mahoning Valley that improve the quality of life for all residents.

Scholarship Opportunities

Your Community, Your Support System

Our community members support hundreds of local students every year through various scholarships facilitated by the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.

Awarded to women living in Mahoning, Trumbull or Columbiana County who were born outside of the United States of America attending college.

The Nebraska United Methodist Foundation offers ministry grants to churches and agencies affiliated with the Great Plains United Methodist Conference. Aimed at enhancing ministries, these grants support programs and operating expenses but exclude building repairs or expansions. Funded by the "Gifts From the Heart" Endowment Fund, applications are reviewed by the Foundation's Stewardship Committee and approved by the Board of Directors during their October meeting.

The Advancement Grant Program provides flexible matching grants to support Los Angeles County school districts in delivering quality arts education. With funding up to $25,000, the program enables districts to invest in projects aligned with their arts plans, ensuring sustainable practices beyond the grant term. Backed by the Funders Council and the LA County Board of Supervisors, it leverages public and private resources to enhance instruction in various art forms, including dance, music, and visual arts.

The Civil Legal Counsel Projects Program Grants, awarded by the DC Bar Foundation, support DC-based non-profit organizations providing critical civil legal aid to low-income residents facing eviction. Since 2018, over $50.4 million has been granted to enhance legal representation for underserved tenants in landlord-tenant court, ensuring access to justice and assistance during eviction-related proceedings.

The Paul B. Beeson Emerging Leaders Career Development Award in Aging (K76)

The National Institute on Aging (NIA), The John A. Hartford Foundation, and the National Institute on Neurological Disorders and Strokes (NINDS) are collaborating on this initiative to develop of a cadre of talented scientists prepared and willing to take an active leadership role in transformative change that will lead to improved health care outcomes.

Emerging leaders are clinically trained (primarily physician) early-stage investigators who have begun to establish research careers and have shown signs of leadership potential who will use this award to further develop the tools, skills and resources to have a significant impact in their field of expertise. 

The National Institute on Aging is pursuing this initiative to recruit talented new investigators who have begun to establish research programs and through this award will be ready to assume leadership roles in their field of expertise and well poised to change theory, practice and health outcomes related to the health of older individuals. Unlike other mentored K awards candidates for this award must have received competitively awarded research support as a PD/PI at the faculty level and have had prior leadership responsibilities in the clinical or research domain.

It is anticipated that seven to ten awards will be granted in 2017, up to 5 years of funding limited to $225,000 in direct costs per year. 

The Domanada Foundation Grant supports organizations focused on Jesus Christ's mission, prioritizing theological education, leadership development, and justice issues. Established in 1989, the Foundation emphasizes transparency in the grant-making process, fostering direct relationships with applicants. Grants are primarily for new or moderate-sized organizations in the Chicago area and Central/Eastern Europe, aiming to assist with funding base expansion. The Foundation generally avoids multi-year proposals and personal support funding.

The Wichita Wagonmasters Fund, established in 2012, enhances the quality of life in Wichita by supporting various projects through grants ranging from $250 to $1,000. This fund prioritizes initiatives that serve the community, avoid service duplication, and demonstrate measurable results. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits in good standing, showcasing fiscal responsibility and sustainability. The fund encourages creative solutions to community challenges, promoting collaboration among local organizations for a better Wichita.

The George Family Foundation focuses on Whole-Person Health and Wellbeing, emphasizing the importance of nurturing mind, body, spirit, and community. The foundation seeks to empower individuals and promote healthcare choice by funding community-based initiatives and select medical systems. Their funding priorities include enhancing access to whole-person care for diverse populations and supporting professional training programs for practitioners, particularly those from underrepresented communities.

The SC Christian Foundation offers Community Trust Grants designed to support Christian non-profit organizations that share the Gospel beyond the church walls. Eligible ministries must complete a Ministry Introduction Form for review. Grants are awarded annually, with proposals released in July and announcements made in October. This initiative aims to address the evolving needs of communities in South Carolina, particularly in Spartanburg, Greenville, York, Horry, and Georgetown Counties.

Greater Salina Community Foundation

Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Increasing the capacity of nonprofit organizations to fulfill their individual missions
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Promoting community philanthropy through education
• Providing affiliate services to neighboring communities
• Meeting needs through grants, scholarships, and pass-through funds

Ottawa County Public Health Fund

The Ottawa County Public Health Fund was established in response to the Kansas Health Foundation’s second chapter of the Giving Resources to our World (GROW II) match grant challenge.

Grants from this fund support the public health of Ottawa County. Public health is defined as the protection and promotion of the health and well-being of individuals and their communities through encouragement of healthy lifestyles, behaviors and environments.

Funding for this grant is also supported by the Kansas Health Foundation Fund for Ottawa County.

What type of support is funded?

• Projects or programs that serve the community and/or advance the mission of the organization
• Seed money to establish or initiate a new project, program, or organization, including operating expenses
• Capacity building or activities that strengthen an organization to increase its ability to fulfill its mission, including technology & equipment, professional development & training, additional staff to implement a new program, etc.
• Capital improvements including new construction or renovation of a facility
• Endowment funds to provide permanent and long-term support for an organization or program

The 2025-2026 Kickstart Kids Grant Program, provided by the Texas Education Agency, aims to support martial arts initiatives that foster character and life skills in middle and high school students. This program includes specific guidelines for funding, such as limiting direct administrative costs to 15% of the award and requiring detailed expenditure reporting. Eligible applicants are encouraged to adhere to the guidelines to ensure effective use of funds.

The Scott Family Scholarship, offered by the Greater Salina Community Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors in Republic County, Kansas, particularly those from USD 109. This scholarship aims to assist students in pursuing further education, emphasizing academic excellence with a minimum 2.5 GPA requirement. Eligible recipients can renew the scholarship for up to four years, provided they maintain full-time enrollment and meet GPA criteria, ensuring long-term educational support.

The Haynes Foundation offers Archival Grants to support cataloging and archival projects at libraries in Los Angeles. These grants focus on materials relevant to Southern California and public policy, considering factors like rarity and completeness. Notable past recipients include The Huntington Library and the Japanese American National Museum. Partial funding is typically provided, and preference is given to applicants securing matching funds from other sources. Interested applicants should notify the Foundation before submitting a proposal.

About the Library

Established in 1850, the California State Library is the central reference and research library for state government and the Legislature. The library collection includes more than 4 million titles, 6,000 maps, and 250,000 photographs. It has an extensive collection of documents from and about the state’s rich history and is one of the major genealogical reference libraries on the West Coast. It also holds significant collections from Mexico, the United Kingdom and Europe, with manuscripts dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. The State Library is both a State and Federal Depository Library, providing free and open access to government information, and is a U.S. Patent and Trademark Resource Center. It is home to the Bernard E. Witkin State Law Library and the Braille and Talking Book Library. It also directs state and federal funds to support local public libraries and statewide library programs and services.

Digital Literacy and Access

The Digital Literacy and Access opportunity provides funds to help California public libraries improve access to high-speed broadband and improve digital literacy in their communities, through digital navigation services for library users, digital literacy training opportunities for the public, and AI and/or internet safety. The Digital Literacy and Access opportunity provides funds to help California public libraries improve access to high-speed broadband and improve digital literacy in their communities, through digital navigation services for library users, digital literacy training opportunities for the public, and AI and/or internet safety classes.

Purpose

As many as two million Californians experience slow or no internet access at home, which can mean limited access to essential online activities like banking, healthcare, homework, remote work, and job seeking. Without high-speed internet at home, however, these Californians can rely on one anchor institution that offers free, reliable broadband: local public libraries. 

Public libraries provide access to digital resources and the skills to safely use those resources, which are key components of the Broadband for All Initiative (external link). The goals of this opportunity are to help libraries improve access to high-speed broadband and improve digital literacy in their communities.

The William H. Young and Dorothy Young Mixer Field of Interest Fund, managed by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, aims to enhance the natural beauty of the Grand Haven area. Grants support projects focused on improving public natural settings and facilities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, government units, and educational institutions serving Northwest Ottawa County and greater West Michigan, provided they address the foundation’s sustainability priorities.

The CALT Emerging Traditional Artists Program, funded by Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, supports early-career Appalachian traditional artists with $5,000 grants and personalized professional development. Artists engage in learning opportunities, including workshops and mentorship, to enhance their skills. Eligible applicants must be traditional artists from designated Appalachian counties in Ohio, Virginia, or West Virginia, at least 18 years old, and in good standing with Mid Atlantic Arts. This initiative fosters cultural preservation and artistic growth in the region.

The CCF: Centinela Valley Medical & Community Funds grant aims to enhance health access and policy advocacy for immigrants in South L.A. The California Community Foundation invites nonprofits to apply for funding that promotes integrated health services and addresses health disparities. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations serving Los Angeles County and ensure non-discrimination in their services. The program targets residents in specific zip codes, fostering collaboration among local health entities.

ESSA Consolidated Federal Grant 

Program Purpose, Goals, and Objectives

Title I, Part A, provides supplemental resources to school systems to help schools with high concentrations of students from low-income families provide high-quality education that will enable all children to meet the challenging state academic standards. Title I, Part A, supports campuses in implementing either a schoolwide program (SWP) or a targeted assistance program (TAP).

Campuses operating a SWP must conduct a Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA) and develop a Campus Improvement Plan (CIP) with the involvement of parents, other members of the community and individuals including teachers, principals, other school leaders, paraprofessionals, administrators, the school system, and to the extent feasible, tribes and tribal organizations present in the community, and, if appropriate, specialized instructional support personnel, technical assistance providers, school staff, and if the plan relates to a secondary school, students, and other individuals determined by the school, who will carry out such plan. The plan must ensure all students are provided opportunities to meet the challenging State academic standards and be regularly evaluated and revised as necessary based on student needs as described in Section 1114, Schoolwide Programs.

Campuses operating a TAP will determine which students will be served on the basis of multiple, educationally related, objective criteria established by the school system and serve participating students as described in Section 1115, Targeted Assistance Schools.

The Paraprofessional to Teacher Reimbursement Grant, Round 3, offered by the Georgia Department of Education, aims to recruit teachers within local educational agencies and GNETS programs in Georgia. This initiative provides financial assistance to paraprofessionals who are pursuing their teaching certification through the Georgia Teacher Academy for Preparation Pedagogy Program (GaTAPP), thereby enhancing the workforce of qualified educators in the state.

The Keep Maryland Beautiful Grant Program, led by the Maryland Environmental Trust and partners, offers Community Stewardship Grants of up to $5,000. These grants focus on empowering schools and nonprofits to engage community members, particularly youth, in environmental education and stewardship. By fostering citizen involvement and innovative solutions, the program aims to address local environmental issues, promote awareness, and enhance community well-being through hands-on projects.

Brandon Walker “BW” Memorial Scholarships – Ferris State University Scholarship

Brandon Walker was a member of Swan Valley High School Class of 2011. After graduating from high school, Brandon planned to attend Ferris State University to study criminal justice. He had secured a part-time position with the Ferris State University Police and was one of two chosen from over 100 applicants. This was just one example of how Brandon was determined to pursue his passions in life. No matter what the level of competition was before him, Brandon gave his all.

Evaluation Criteria

• Career goals as demonstrated in general essay (20);
• Leadership (5)
• Community service (5)
• Overall involvement in community, school and work activities (5)
• Letters of recommendation (5)
• Special essays (two required) (30/each)
• Financial need will be considered only as a tie-breaker between two equally qualified applicants.

The Reed Penington Family Trust Scholarship Fund, managed by The Denver Foundation, supports Colorado residents who are undergraduate or graduate students in their final two years of schooling. This fund aims to assist those facing financial barriers that hinder their educational pursuits. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 2.75 or higher and demonstrate financial need through FAFSA or CASFA. The scholarship fosters academic persistence and helps students graduate within two academic years.

The URA-Sandia Graduate Student Summer Fellowship for Summer 2026 is now open for applications until November 30, 2025. This fellowship offers STEM research opportunities at Sandia National Laboratories, focusing on national security projects. Selected candidates will work alongside experienced mentors and receive stipends based on their academic progress. A total of $2,000 is also available for travel expenses. Full-time graduate students and U.S. citizens are eligible to apply.

The CFDRR: Keokee Fund Grant aims to support academically gifted students in the Dan River Region by funding organizations, schools, and classrooms. Established in 2002, this initiative focuses on providing educational opportunities for these students. Each year, grants are awarded to nonprofit agencies to enhance educational support and resources, ensuring that gifted students receive the encouragement they need to excel in their academic pursuits.

The FY26 Project Grant for Artists from the Nevada Arts Council supports individual artists in producing and presenting artistic projects, with funding up to $3,000. This grant aims to enhance economic vitality and cultural development in Nevada. Eligible projects include exhibitions, performances, and marketing activities. Applicants must be Nevada residents, U.S. citizens or legal residents, and at least 21 years old. The program fosters creativity and supports the artistic community in enriching lives across the state.

Greater Salina Community Foundation

Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Increasing the capacity of nonprofit organizations to fulfill their individual missions
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Promoting community philanthropy through education
• Providing affiliate services to neighboring communities
• Meeting needs through grants, scholarships, and pass-through funds

Scholarship Program

The community foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships for students, provided by the generosity of local donors. Whether you are a high school senior, a current college student, or a non-traditional student we work with donors to help you take the next step in your education.

Booker T. Washington Scholarship

For African-American graduating high school seniors from Saline County High School.

Background

The Booker T. Washington scholarship fund was started with the proceeds from the sale of the former Booker T. Washington Negro Center, located at 345 N. Front. It was designed for African American children and was founded as a private enterprise by Miss Janet Porter in 1939. After her death in 1943, the center was operated by the Porter family with aid from the Community Chest. In 1978 the City completed construction of the Carver Center, and the Porter family felt the Booker T. Washington Center was no longer needed. They closed the center, donating all the equipment to the Carver Center, and the property was given to the YWCA. The Y sold the property and used the proceeds to establish the Booker T. Washington Scholarship Fund.

Geographic Limitations

• Students graduating from any Saline County high school.

Renewals

Scholarship recipients are eligible to apply for renewal by meeting the following:

• Recipient must be enrolled as a full-time student and provide a copy of their transcript.
• Recipients must be in good standing and maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
• Recipients may receive this scholarship for a total of 4 years.

The Samuel Neff Fellowship for International Study Scholarship supports Crawford County, Ohio high school seniors and graduates pursuing educational experiences abroad. Established by The Community Foundation for Crawford County, it honors Samuel Neff's legacy of global engagement. Preference is given to Bucyrus students demonstrating financial need and those traveling outside Western Europe. This scholarship encourages recipients to share their international experiences, fostering a spirit of community and cultural exchange.