Best Higher Education Grants in Hawaii

The Air Force Fiscal Year 2027 Young Investigator Program (YIP) is designed to support early career scientists and engineers who have recently obtained their Ph.D. This initiative aims to promote innovative basic research in science and engineering while enhancing the professional growth of promising investigators. Awards are available to U.S. institutions where the principal investigator is a full-time employee. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents.

The John Lewis NIMHD Research Endowment Program aims to enhance research infrastructure and training at higher education institutions to address health disparities. Key objectives include improving physical infrastructure, acquiring research equipment, developing technical expertise, expanding academic science programs, and recruiting accomplished researchers. This limited competition invites applications from eligible organizations, with a rigorous peer-review process to ensure only high-quality proposals receive funding.

The A Woman’s Work Founders Scholarship, provided by the Longmont Community Foundation, supports women in the Longmont and St. Vrain Valley area who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to their education. With awards ranging from $500 to $5,000, this scholarship prioritizes applicants who have shown resilience in overcoming challenges. By empowering women, the scholarship aims to foster individual achievement and strengthen the community, creating pathways to sustainable futures.

The Braly Trade / Vocational Scholarship, offered by the Longmont Community Foundation, supports individuals over 21 pursuing a trade or vocational education. This one-time award of $5,000 is allocated for tuition, fees, books, and other educational expenses. The scholarship honors the Braly family’s legacy in trades and aims to empower recipients to positively impact their communities. Applicants must be high school graduates or hold a GED and plan to attend an accredited institution in the U.S.

The Hispanic-Serving Institutions Education Grants Program aims to enhance the educational capabilities of HSIs through innovative teaching and community development initiatives. Funded projects will not only serve the Hispanic population but will benefit the entire student body, promoting inclusivity. This program encourages applications that integrate applied research with community outreach, fostering experiential learning opportunities for students. The initiative aspires to set benchmarks for educational excellence at regional and national levels.

The BRAIN Initiative, led by the NIH, aims to advance neurotechnologies at institutions with limited NIH funding. This funding opportunity encourages collaboration and knowledge transfer to integrate innovative neurotechnologies into research and training programs. While applications are currently not being solicited, potential applicants should start developing partnerships and projects in preparation for future submissions. This initiative will enhance the dissemination of BRAIN technologies and support novel research practices.

The R3PEATS Rigor Scholar Cohort Awards (K12) are designed to empower early-career researchers by enhancing their skills in rigorous scientific practices. This initiative promotes collaboration across institutions to develop best practices in research methodologies, including preregistration and randomization. Participants will gain essential training to ensure excellence and transparency in scientific research, aligning with the NIH's commitment to improve replicability and reproducibility in the field.

The TURTLE Program aims to empower Tribal Entities by fostering a skilled workforce in biomedical research. It supports undergraduate and graduate students in health research, ensuring they complete their degrees and transition into impactful careers. With phased awards, the program emphasizes effective training and mentoring, inviting eligible organizations to apply. Applications will undergo NIH's peer-review process, ensuring only the most meritorious proposals are funded, ultimately enhancing Tribal health research capabilities.

The FY 2027 Department of War Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University Research Initiative (MURI) aims to fund U.S. academic teams conducting innovative research to tackle complex challenges for the Department of War. Established in 1985, MURI promotes collaboration among diverse scientific disciplines, enhancing the defense workforce and addressing critical areas of interest through multidisciplinary research efforts at U.S. universities.

The Fiscal Year 2027 Department of War Multidisciplinary Research Program aims to fund innovative research teams from U.S. universities. Established in 1985, this initiative addresses complex challenges faced by the Department of War, fostering collaboration across various scientific disciplines. By integrating world-class faculty and graduate students, the program seeks to cultivate a skilled workforce poised to enhance the U.S. defense capabilities and contribute to the advancement of the defense industrial base.

The National Parks Business Plan Internship aims to enhance the operational health of national parks through a graduate-level program that trains students in business management and NPS operations. Participants will engage in substantive analysis, gain insights into park management, and promote federal careers in conservation. This initiative seeks to involve underrepresented graduate students from disciplines such as business administration and public policy, fostering a commitment to stewardship of public lands.

About

Founded in 1971, the Mensa Foundation was established by members of American Mensa to extend the organization’s impact. While connected by a shared purpose, the Foundation operates independently, guided by its own Board of Trustees, strategic plan, and initiatives.

Grants & Fellowships

Fellowships

The Mensa Foundation Fellowship program empowers exceptional individuals committed to advancing the application of intelligence in their respective fields.

Details

Our current fellowship, the Gifted Education Fellowship, is designed to empower educators pursuing graduate studies in gifted education or closely related fields, enabling them to make a transformative impact in their classrooms and communities. The fellowship supports both doctoral and non-doctoral students, with awards and renewal terms tailored to each track.

About

Founded in 1971, the Mensa Foundation was established by members of American Mensa to extend the organization’s impact. While connected by a shared purpose, the Foundation operates independently, guided by its own Board of Trustees, strategic plan, and initiatives.

Grants & Fellowships

Dissertation Mini-Grant

The Mensa Foundation empowers the next generation of researchers through its Dissertation Mini-Grant program.

Designed to support advanced doctoral students, this grant funds innovative studies that broaden our understanding of intelligence, creativity, gifted education, and related fields.

Details

The Mensa Foundation Dissertation Mini-Grant provides $2,500 to advanced doctoral students conducting research on intelligence and gifted education. By funding innovative studies, the grant promotes research that addresses the complexities of intelligence, creativity, and related fields.

Grant Components

The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program, managed by the Department of War, aims to enhance the U.S. military's technical workforce by offering competitive scholarships for STEM degrees. With a funding cap of $1.3 billion over ten years, the program prepares scholars for critical roles in national defense, ensuring a pipeline of skilled professionals. Since its inception in 2005, over 8,000 scholarships have been awarded, fostering a strong connection between education and service in defense-related fields.

Ignite Your Innovation & Entrepreneurship Ecosystem

Lead the future of innovation at your higher education institution with the Ecosystem Futures Fellowship. This fellowship is an evolution of our Course & Program Grants that focuses on scalable science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) ecosystem solutions through the lens of environmental and social sustainability and inclusive innovation. This program offers professional development, immersive learning experiences, and a supportive community of leaders. It enhances the role of faculty and higher education leaders as ecosystem builders in partnership with industry and government.

VentureWell Ecosystem Futures Fellowship

The Ecosystem Futures Fellowship is a one-year program that aims to strengthen campus innovation and entrepreneurship. This fellowship enhances both in-class and out-of-class student engagement and institutional culture by growing ecosystem networks. Teams of two will receive $30,000 in funding—a $10,000 award and $5,000 in travel stipends for each fellow—and 12 months of immersive programming and communities of practice.

The Ecosystem Futures Fellowship is a one-year experience that supports higher education leaders in advancing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) ecosystem growth centered on environmental and social sustainability and inclusive innovation.

What types of projects are eligible?

Projects should focus on STEM I&E ecosystem expansion, addressing significant social, health, or environmental challenges. Your STEM I&E ecosystem growth goals might align well with the fellowship if they are similar to one of the following:

• Building out a degree pathway that incorporates I&E into STEM disciplines
• Creating or revising courses that focus on STEM I&E through a social and environmental sustainability lens—these should be courses that make connections to I&E beyond the course in order to provide more robust I&E opportunities to a diverse population of students (community-engaged learning, internships, industry partnerships, etc.)
• Connecting existing courses to campus and off-campus extracurricular and co-curricular activities
• Designing new extracurricular and co-curricular I&E activities that connect to community partners
• Working with government, industry, or other community collaborators to expand STEM I&E activities on and off campus for students and other campus collaborators
• Working with administration on campus to change policies or systems that hinder STEM I&E activities on campus (promotion and tenure requirements, tech transfer opportunities, IP policies, etc.)
• Breaking down silos on campus in order to grow connections between disciplines and learning opportunities beyond the classroom
• Strengthening research translation and innovation development opportunities that work to solve the world’s most difficult problems

What support is provided besides funding?

• Mentorship from experienced industry experts.
• Access to a resource library and a collaborative network of STEM educators and students.
• Participation in on-campus immersive experiences, communities of practice, and VentureWell’s annual conferences.

The Genesis Mission Graduate Fellowship Pilot aims to empower American scientists and engineers in the super intelligence (SI) revolution by inviting applications from U.S. higher education institutions. This initiative focuses on developing innovative doctoral training programs integrating SI with other scientific disciplines. Participants will gain valuable research experience through collaborations with DOE National Laboratories and industry, preparing them as the next generation of skilled Ph.D. scientists and engineers to tackle pressing national science and technology challenges.

About 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.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

St. John Lutheran Church (Windfall) Scholarship

This scholarship fund was created in 2024 by the members of St. John Lutheran (Windfall) Church to support Marion and Morrow County students active with a Christian church. The fund, formerly known as the Horst Scholarship, migrated from the church to the stewardship of Marion Community Foundation.

The scholarship is open to seniors and graduates of high schools located in Marion and Morrow counties (must be a resident of one those counties at the time of application). Applicants must demonstrate that they are affiliated with a Christian church, located in Marion or Morrow County, that adheres to the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds.

First consideration is given to seniors and candidates for graduation from high school; then, to graduates enrolled as a sophomore, junior, or senior in an undergraduate collegiate program.

About 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.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

United Church Homes Scholarship

The United Church Homes Scholarship Fund, created in 2018, supports higher education for Marion area students who intend to pursue a career involving service to older citizens, including, but not limited to, gerontology,

About 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.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

Whirlpool Corporation One Power STEM Scholarship

Whirlpool Corporation, in conjunction with One Energy LLC, created a scholarship fund at Marion Community Foundation in 2017 to support education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). For each wind turbine installed as part of a Wind for Industry® project, Whirlpool/One Energy scholarship partners are giving back to the community with scholarships. These scholarships will impact Marion County high school seniors and graduates pursuing studies in STEM fields.

Annually, this scholarship fund awards one $5,000 scholarship to a student attending any eligible educational institution. An additional $10,000 in scholarships is available to students attending The Ohio State University at Marion, Marion Technical College, or other eligible educational institutions.

About 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.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

Willie “Beaver” Troutman Football Scholarship

This scholarship, created in 2022, honors Willie “Beaver” Troutman and his longstanding coaching career in Marion County.

For generations to come, this scholarship will assist students financially to further their potential in academics and athletics.

The Willie ‘Beaver’ Troutman Football Scholarship is open to any student-athlete who attended a high school located in Marion County (Ohio) for at least 2 years, maintained a GPA of 2.5 or greater, and demonstrates volunteerism in the community and/or extraordinary financial need.

About 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.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

Y-Men’s Service Club Scholarship

The Y-Men’s Service Club Scholarship Fund supports students from any high school located in Marion County (Ohio) with a 3.0 grade point average or higher. Special consideration is given to family members of Club members in good standing.

The Y-Men created this scholarship with the intent of creating a permanent fund to help local students further their education and to create more awareness of the Y-Men’s Service Club.

About 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.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

Youth Engaged in Philanthropy Scholarship

The Youth Engaged in Philanthropy Scholarship Fund provides a college scholarship as part of Marion Community Foundation’s annual Scholarship Program. Each year the high school senior members participate in the selection process to recommend a scholarship recipient.

The scholarship awards are available to graduates and seniors from any high school in Marion who have been a resident of Marion County throughout their entire high school experience and have demonstrated commitment and dedication to community service, volunteerism, and philanthropy.

Idaho Community Foundation

The Idaho Community Foundation distributes millions annually in grants and scholarships across the state. These awards are made possible by individuals, families, businesses, affiliates, giving circles, and everyday Idahoans who care for their community.Robert C. Weaver Memorial Scholarship FundEstablished by Neola Weaver in memory of her late husband, residents or former residents of Buhl are eligible for scholarship support as either traditional or nontraditional students. For part-time or full-time traditional or nontraditional students pursuing post high school vocational or academic training. 

Howard Hughes Medical Institute

More than 70 years ago, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) was founded with a mission to advance basic biomedical research and science education. Today, we invest in exceptional scientists at all career stages, catalyzing breakthroughs, new technologies, and the next generation of transformative clinical therapies. Our pathbreaking science takes place at more than 60 host institutions across the US, and at our Janelia Research Campus.

Cech Fellows Program

The Cech Fellows Program is a paid, nine-week summer research experience for rising college juniors and seniors designed to empower the next generation of scientific leaders through mentorship, hands-on research, and community. 

The Cech Fellows Program gives undergraduate students in the life sciences the opportunity to conduct hands-on research with leading scientists at HHMI laboratories across the US, from universities and research institutions to HHMI’s Janelia Research Campus outside of Washington, DC. Students are matched with HHMI scientists conducting fundamental research that advances our understanding of biology and health. 

This immersive program gives students the chance to contribute to real scientific discovery, receive professional mentorship, explore potential careers in biological and biomedical research, and connect with a community of like-minded peers.  

Gain Hands-On Experience in Research & Lab Work

The HHMI Cech Fellows Program is a 9-week, full-time, immersive research experience running from June 14, 2027 to August 12, 2027. Fellows: 

• conduct cutting-edge basic research in an HHMI lab for their own educational benefit  
• participate in professional development workshops   
• engage with a vibrant scientific community  
• build essential skills for future success in a scientific career   

Funding & Logistics 

As a Cech Fellow, students:  

• receive a $15,000 stipend if placed in an HHMI lab at a host institution, intended to cover travel, housing, meals, and incidentals. (Students are responsible for arranging their own housing.) 
• receive a $12,000 stipend if placed at HHMI’s Janelia Research Campus. (Students placed at Janelia have access to free, on-campus housing.)
• participate in an end-of-summer symposium at the Janelia Research Campus in Ashburn, VA, from August 10–12, 2027, at which they present their research and meet other Cech Fellows from across the country. Food, lodging, and travel to and from the symposium are provided by HHMI. 
• are matched with a local contact from their host lab who will provide suggestions for local housing options. Students are expected to travel to arrive at their host institutions by June 14, 2027.  

The Council of Independent Colleges

Founded in 1956, the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) is an association of nonprofit independent colleges and universities, state-based councils, and higher education affiliates that works to support college and university leadership, advance institutional excellence, and enhance public understanding of independent higher education’s contributions to society.

CIC is the major national organization that focuses on providing services to leaders of independent colleges and universities and state-based councils. CIC offers conferences, seminars, publications, and other programs and services that help institutions improve educational quality, administrative and financial performance, student outcomes, and institutional visibility.

NetVUE Grant Programs

NetVUE offers a variety of grants to member institutions, supporting programming for students and professional development for faculty members and staff. Grants support projects ranging from one to four years in length. Grant programs are tailored to differing circumstances among member institutions, including their particular areas of interest, their bandwidth and capacity for administering projects, and the depth of their previous engagement with vocational exploration and discernment. NetVUE grants are administered by the Council of Independent Colleges, with generous support from Lilly Endowment Inc.

NetVUE Grants for Reframing the Institutional Saga

Many NetVUE member colleges and universities have strong historical ties to a specific religious tradition, a particular educational philosophy, or a pioneering educator. These elements of an institution’s heritage are important, but their significance may not always be clear in the midst of changes in the institution’s demographic profile, surrounding community, and founding organizations. These changes can influence student recruitment and retention, curriculum design, and the composition of faculty. The purpose of this grant program is to enable institutions to produce an updated account of their history and mission in light of their current context.

The Council of Independent Colleges

Founded in 1956, the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) is an association of nonprofit independent colleges and universities, state-based councils, and higher education affiliates that works to support college and university leadership, advance institutional excellence, and enhance public understanding of independent higher education’s contributions to society.

CIC is the major national organization that focuses on providing services to leaders of independent colleges and universities and state-based councils. CIC offers conferences, seminars, publications, and other programs and services that help institutions improve educational quality, administrative and financial performance, student outcomes, and institutional visibility.

NetVUE Grant Programs

NetVUE offers a variety of grants to member institutions, supporting programming for students and professional development for faculty members and staff. Grants support projects ranging from one to four years in length. Grant programs are tailored to differing circumstances among member institutions, including their particular areas of interest, their bandwidth and capacity for administering projects, and the depth of their previous engagement with vocational exploration and discernment. NetVUE grants are administered by the Council of Independent Colleges, with generous support from Lilly Endowment Inc.

NetVUE Professional Development Awards

Colleges and universities that are members of NetVUE are committed to campus activities that encourage vocational exploration by students. Many NetVUE campus leaders have observed, however, that supplemental funding at even modest levels to support opportunities for the professional development of staff and faculty members would enable their institutions to strengthen vocational exploration programming. In an era of careful institutional budgeting, institutional operating funds are not always available for such professional development opportunities. NetVUE Professional Development Awards seek to address this need.

NetVUE Professional Development Awards may be requested for use over one year for professional development activities that enhance the knowledge, skills, and expertise of faculty and staff members who play important roles in undergraduate vocational initiatives. The purpose of this grant is to develop campus conversations about vocation and to deepen the capacity of those who lead vocational exploration efforts at NetVUE member institutions. A special initiative within this grant, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion, allows for proposals of up to $25,000.

Funds may be used for a range of purposes, but not to substitute for faculty and staff costs that the institution is presently providing for its vocational exploration activities. Grant funds could, for example, support reading groups, faculty/staff retreats, or bringing speakers to campus; funds may be used to provide materials, pay expenses for travel and/or meals, and offer modest stipends.

The Council of Independent Colleges

Founded in 1956, the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) is an association of nonprofit independent colleges and universities, state-based councils, and higher education affiliates that works to support college and university leadership, advance institutional excellence, and enhance public understanding of independent higher education’s contributions to society.

CIC is the major national organization that focuses on providing services to leaders of independent colleges and universities and state-based councils. CIC offers conferences, seminars, publications, and other programs and services that help institutions improve educational quality, administrative and financial performance, student outcomes, and institutional visibility.

NetVUE Vocation across the Academy Grants

​One major purpose of an undergraduate education in the liberal arts is to help students shape a philosophy of life. At the same time, undergraduates today are increasingly preoccupied with postgraduate employment. The purpose of this grant program is to help colleges and universities develop more effective ways to strengthen the link between these two purposes of undergraduate education. It is designed to support institutions in their efforts to expand vocational exploration and discernment programs across the curriculum and co-curricular programs, with the following goals:

• to help students develop more effective links between developing a philosophy of life and preparing for a career;
• to include more faculty and students in the work of vocational exploration and discernment; and, in some cases,
• to build connections with community partners, such as local businesses, nonprofits, and other community organizations.