Best Grants for International Development

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Shirley M. Hurd Education Scholarship Fund

The Shirley M. Hurd Education Scholarship Fund was created upon receipt of a bequest from the estate of Shirley Miller Hurd.

The fund supports college scholarships for local students. In the awarding of these scholarships, preference is given to students attending Northwestern University.

Mr. Hurd organized and was president of the world famous Sealmaster Softball team. He and his wife traveled throughout the country with the team, which eventually achieved championship status. Mrs. Hurd was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church, where she established a scholarship for students attending St. Peter Catholic School.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

The Hendel Family Association Scholarship, established in 1983, offers a $2,500 award to New London High School students who have faced significant hardships. This scholarship aims to support students in their educational pursuits, with funds disbursed directly to colleges by August 1. The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut proudly administers this scholarship, contributing to its mission of enabling local students to achieve their academic goals.

The Guy Marshall Scholarship Fund, established in 2008 by the advisors of the Cecil G. Marshall Fund, aims to support students from Hawaii pursuing their undergraduate education in the continental U.S. This scholarship emphasizes financial need and requires a minimum GPA of 3.0. Eligible applicants must be high school seniors or entering freshmen from Hawaii and intend to maintain support throughout their four years of study.

The John T. Savage Memorial Scholarship, established in memory of a dedicated agriculturalist and public servant, supports students from Brooklyn, Eastford, Pomfret, Union, and Woodstock. With an award of $1,500, this scholarship aims to assist those pursuing education in politics or agriculture. Since 1983, the Community Foundation has provided over $11.9 million in scholarships, reinforcing its commitment to local education and community development.

The Community Foundation of the North State offers the Women's Fund Grant to support women's initiatives in Redding. Since 2008, this fund has empowered women and families through collaborative philanthropy, contributing to over $47 million in grants awarded by the foundation. Through relationship-building and integrity, the foundation aims to create a positive impact in Shasta, Siskiyou, and Tehama counties by fostering a culture of giving.

The Regional Site Readiness Program-Capital Ready, initiated by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, aims to enhance infrastructure across the state, preparing sites for industrial and manufacturing development. With a total funding of $40 million, awards will range from $250,000 to $3 million, supporting communities to overcome financial barriers and increasing the number of sites ready for future industrial development in all ten Economic Development Regions of Illinois.

The Richard "Longy" and Eleanor "Sluggo" Okamoto Kamalii Manaloa Volleyball Scholarship Fund, established in 2018, supports Hawaii high school seniors who have been active members of their varsity volleyball teams. This scholarship aims to empower students to pursue higher education, emphasizing the importance of academic achievement and financial need. Preference is given to first-generation college students, reinforcing the fund's commitment to fostering educational opportunities within the community.

The Rich Meiers Health Administration Fund, established in 2009, offers scholarships to college juniors, seniors, or graduate students pursuing degrees in hospital or health care administration. Eligible applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.7, demonstrate financial need, and be residents of Hawaii attending a local college or university. Preference is given to recipients who were awarded in the previous year and continue to meet eligibility criteria. This fund supports future leaders in health care.

The Natalie W. Furniss Foundation Grant supports organizations dedicated to the humane treatment of animals. Established in 1974, the foundation provides funding to 501(c)(3) organizations, particularly those in New Jersey. Applications are accepted year-round, with a focus on humane societies and similar organizations that prevent cruelty to animals. This grant exemplifies a commitment to animal welfare and environmental stewardship, reflecting the foundation's mission to promote humane practices.

The Jesse M. and Bernice M. Pyeatt Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Abilene, supports single mothers pursuing education at accredited institutions. This scholarship is designed to assist those maintaining a 2.5 GPA, with applicants required to have custody of a child under 12. It reflects the Foundation's commitment to empowering individuals through education, ensuring that deserving students can achieve their academic goals and improve their family's future.

The Philip & Louise Wang Scholarship Fund, established by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation in 2022, aims to support U.S. residents who demonstrate financial need, academic merit, and good character while attending accredited post-high school institutions. Eligible applicants must be Hawaii residents maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0. Preference is given to first-generation college students and previous recipients who continue to meet eligibility criteria. This initiative embodies our vision of a thriving and equitable Hawai‘i.

California Department of Education

California will provide a world-class education for all students, from early childhood to adulthood. The Department of Education serves our state by innovating and collaborating with educators, schools, parents, and community partners. Together, as a team, we prepare students to live, work, and thrive in a multicultural, multilingual, and highly connected world.

Start-Up Subgrant For the Planning, Implementation, Replication, and Expansion of Charter Schools

Purpose and Background

The PCSGP is a subgrant program funded by the federal Charter Schools Program (CSP). The PCSGP is a discretionary grant program. California was awarded approximately $93 million in grant funds for 2024–29. States that are awarded these federal funds distribute them in subgrants to charter school developers, known as PCSGP Start-Up Subgrants in the state of California, to assist in the development and initial operations of newly established or conversion charter schools as well as to assist in the expansion and replication of high-quality charter schools.

PCSGP Start-Up Subgrants identify funding levels and terms into four subgrant types: Planning, Implementation, Replication, and Expansion. For FY 2025, the CDE has an approved pipeline and budget to award approximately 14 subgrants. The actual number and type of subgrants awarded during each RFA competition may vary based on demand. If all authorized awards are not approved for funding, the CDE may open additional RFA competition events for new applicants until all of the allocated funds have been awarded.

The Shigeo and Winifred Ito Scholarship Fund, established by a former recipient of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, aims to support students from Hawaii pursuing higher education on the U.S. mainland. With awards averaging around $6,000, the fund prioritizes residents demonstrating financial need and maintaining good academic standing. The scholarship reflects a commitment to fostering educational opportunities and giving back to the community, ensuring that deserving students can achieve their academic goals.

The Safeway Foundation Hawaii Scholarship Fund, established by the Safeway Foundation in 2008, supports Hawaii residents pursuing college education in the state. With awards ranging from $1,000 to several thousand dollars, the average scholarship is approximately $6,000. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and be residents of Hawaii. Preference is given to past recipients and those connected to Safeway Hawaii.

The S&G Labs Hawaii Scholarship Fund, established by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation in 2018, aims to support students transitioning from drug treatment into educational training. Applicants must be Hawaii residents with financial need, maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.5, and enrolled full-time in an accredited institution. Average awards are around $6,000, depending on available funds and applicant qualifications. This initiative fosters equity and opportunity for vulnerable communities in Hawaii.

The Oscar & Rosetta Fish Fund, established by a dedicated couple from Hawaii, supports students pursuing higher education in Business Administration. Eligible applicants must reside in Hawaii, demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, and attend any University of Hawaii campus except Manoa. Preference is given to previous recipients who continue to meet these criteria and maintain good academic standing. This fund aims to empower young individuals and foster academic success.

The Nathalie Y. Lee Scholarship Fund, established in 2022, provides financial support to students pursuing higher education in Hawaii. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, and be residents of Hawaii. Preference is given to full-time students of Chinese ancestry, first-generation college attendees, and those who have been involved in the foster care system. Previous recipients may reapply if they continue to meet eligibility requirements.

The Nancy Saunders Medical Education Fund, established in 2019, aims to support graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in medicine, including MDs, DOs, PAs, and NPs. Applicants must be Hawaii residents, demonstrate financial need, and maintain full-time enrollment at accredited institutions. Preference is given to those with a minimum GPA of 3.0, residents of Maui, and individuals intending to practice in Maui post-graduation. This fund seeks to enhance medical education accessibility for dedicated students.

The Northwest Florida Grant, previously known as Gulf Power Foundation Grants, is supported by NextEra Energy Foundation. It focuses on enhancing communities in Northwest Florida, promoting sustainability and innovation. Eligible nonprofit organizations must operate within specific counties, be 501(c)(3) certified, and not have received a quarterly grant in the past year. This initiative aims to foster opportunities and safety for diverse communities.

The William Penn Foundation is dedicated to enhancing public spaces in the Greater Philadelphia region through strategic funding. With a focus on fostering community engagement, improving safety, and ensuring equitable access, the foundation aims to support projects that activate and diversify public spaces. Grants will prioritize organizations with budgets under $1 million and those led by historically marginalized groups. The foundation has $4.5 million available for this initiative, encouraging collaborative proposals that leverage community strengths.

Maryland State Arts Council 

Founded in 1967, The Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) is an agency of the State of Maryland's Department of Commerce that plays an essential role, ensuring every person has access to the transformative power of the arts.

MSAC advances the arts in our state by providing leadership that champions creative expression, diverse programming, equitable access, lifelong learning, and the arts as a celebrated contributor to the quality of life for all the people of Maryland.

A&E District Operating Support Grant

Annual operating grants support activities, programs, and projects in Arts & Entertainment (A&E) Districts throughout Maryland. Appointed management entities for designated A&E Districts may apply for MSAC operating support funds to support district priorities. 

Use of Funds

Grant funds may be used for:

• Salaries and administrative expenses
• Events, programming, and projects in the A&E District
• Marketing of the A&E District and/or its businesses, artists, events, etc.
• Re-granting to local organizations, artists, and schools to support arts programming or projects
• Services for district artists, businesses, and arts organizations
• Other operating expenses

Samerian Foundation

Founded in 2003, the Samerian Foundation is dedicated to perpetuating the vision of Cindy and Paul Skjodt, the founders. They seek to enhance the quality of life by providing funds through a grant making process for education, economic development, health, youth sports, community organizations meeting the needs of the underserved, and humanitarian projects.

Though the Samerian Foundation primarily serves Central Indiana, it has taken part in some international endeavors and have reached outside the state on special projects.

The Samerian Foundation is the philanthropic vehicle of the Skjodt’s generosity. To date, they have granted 2,105 requests of nearly $93.4 million.

The Samerian Foundation is lovingly named after Cindy and Paul’s children, Samantha, Erik, and Ian, who serve on the board.

Ian J. Skjodt Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the Simon-Skjodt family to encourage students to pursue degrees in media studies at Indiana University.

The Morris Stulsaft Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of Bay Area children and youth by funding organizations that provide quality early childhood education for ages 0 to 5. The foundation prioritizes strong leadership and community engagement, supporting programs that incorporate a whole-child approach, engage parents, and promote teacher development. Grants are available for organizations serving low-income households in the San Francisco Bay Area, with a focus on sustainable, impactful initiatives.

The Latin Network for the Visual Arts Scholarship, established by Mimi and Gaston Daumy, supports New London County students pursuing degrees in fine arts. With an award amount of approximately $1,600, scholarships are paid directly to colleges by August 1. Preference is given to students with ancestral ties to Romance language countries, including French, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, and Spanish. This initiative has been part of the Community Foundation's commitment to educational support since 1983.

The John W. Miles Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography supports a researcher specializing in computational and theoretical geophysics. Funded by the Green Foundation for Earth Sciences, this one-year position, renewable for a second year, offers a $70,000 annual salary plus benefits and $3,000 in research funds. Applicants must have received their PhD within a specific timeframe and should connect with potential mentors at IGPP to discuss suitable projects.

The Dr. Iwao and Mrs. Adrienne Shiraki Scholarship Fund, established in 2021, supports Hawaii residents pursuing graduate studies in medicine at Tulane University. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and be full-time students. The fund also considers students from Washington University if no candidates from Tulane are available. Renewal is possible for up to two years for students in good standing.

The Dr. Hans and Clara Zimmerman Foundation Health Scholarships offer financial assistance to Hawaii residents pursuing education in health-related fields. Established by Dr. Zimmerman, the foundation supports college seniors and graduate students demonstrating financial need and maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to past recipients who continue to meet eligibility criteria. This scholarship is part of one of Hawaii's largest scholarship funds, promoting careers in healthcare.