Best Grants for Global Health in Maine

The New Century Scholars Research Grant, offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation, provides up to four grants of $25,000 each to support innovative research in communication sciences and disorders. This funding opportunity encourages both experienced and new investigators to explore novel ideas and methodologies, including artificial intelligence applications. Researchers must demonstrate potential for independent research, with a focus on significant contributions to the field. Applications are due after completing an Intent to Submit Form by March 5.

The FWW Research Awards support short-term studies focused on critical women’s health issues such as cardiovascular disease, female cancers, and hormonal influences on health. Eligible applicants include MDs or PhDs affiliated with accredited institutions. Research proposals must align with FWW's priority areas, and financial support must be confirmed to ensure project completion. Note that sociological studies are not funded, and only one application per Principal Investigator is allowed.

The FWW Fellowship Award supports emerging physicians and scientists dedicated to advancing women’s health research. Awardees, pursuing MD or PhD programs at U.S. institutions, explore critical health topics such as cardiovascular disease, leading female cancers, and the role of hormones. This initiative encourages diverse applicants and promotes innovative proposals that address health concerns disproportionately affecting women. With a commitment to fostering research excellence, the FWW Fellowship Award empowers the next generation of health leaders.

The ASTR Theater and Performance Art Studies Research Fellowships provide funding for scholars conducting significant research in theatre and performance studies. With awards up to $3000, these fellowships support academic projects, allowing recipients to cover various research expenses. Eligible applicants include anyone holding a terminal degree and a member of ASTR, with the selection based on project merit. However, applicants cannot seek a Targeted Research Area Grant for the same project in the same year.

The Disaster Relief and Resilience Scholarship supports residents of western North Carolina whose education funding has been affected by Hurricane Helene. Offered by the North Carolina Community Foundation, this scholarship is available for undergraduate and graduate students attending two- or four-year colleges. The minimum award is $1,000, aimed at helping students overcome financial hardships caused by the disaster and continue their educational pursuits.

The USF Community Impact Grant, established by USA Swimming and the USA Swimming Foundation, aims to enhance competitive opportunities in swimming clubs. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for registered USA Swimming clubs committed to fostering community engagement and collaboration. Eligible clubs can renew their grant for up to three years, promoting diverse access to swimming programs. This initiative particularly supports clubs that partner with educational or public entities and those led by women or minorities.

The Bluegrass in the Schools Mini-Grants program, offered by the IBMA Foundation, supports K-12 educational initiatives by funding live bluegrass music performances in schools. Grants of up to $500 are available for programs that provide a comprehensive understanding of bluegrass music, including its history, instruments, and vocal harmonies. This initiative aims to enhance student engagement with bluegrass while preserving its cultural heritage, enriching the educational landscape through live demonstrations.

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.

Schafer Scholarship Endowment Fund

The Schafer Scholarship Endowment Fund was created to provide scholarships to students pursuing careers in business.

“This fund was established in memory of our fathers, Tom Angott and Jerry Schafer both who built successful businesses. Midge and I hope this fund will help students reach their dreams and learn the leadership skills it takes to be successful in business. We are proud of the fact that we have built several successful companies that now allows us to establish the Schafer Scholarship Endowment Fund, in hopes of helping generations well into the future learn the ethical practices of a business.”

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 Geiger/Montello Scholarship Fund, established in 2008 by the Maine Community Foundation, supports high school seniors from Montello Elementary School in Lewiston, Maine, aspiring to pursue higher education. This renewable scholarship encourages recipients to demonstrate financial need and a commitment to academic success, enabling them to attend two- or four-year colleges. The program emphasizes well-rounded participation in school and community activities, seeking dedicated students who exemplify hard work and multifaceted interests.

The New Investigators Research Grant, offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation, supports emerging researchers by funding preliminary studies with a clinical focus in audiology and speech-language pathology. Proposals that incorporate Artificial Intelligence technologies for assessment and treatment are encouraged. Grants of $10,000 are available for one-year projects, fostering innovation and research in communication sciences. Eligible investigators must have completed their doctoral degree within the last five years and must not have received prior external funding.

The Speech Science Research Grant, offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation, supports new investigators conducting research in speech science. A $10,000 grant will be awarded to eligible researchers, who must have completed their PhD within the last five years. The funding can be utilized for various research-related expenses, fostering innovative studies and honoring the legacy of researcher Dennis Klatt. The next application cycle will be in 2026.

The Raven Fund Career Technical Education Scholarships, offered by the CIRI Foundation, aim to support CIRI voting shareholders pursuing technical skill training. With awards up to $9,000 per year, eligible applicants must be enrolled in recognized programs and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. The scholarships cover essential educational expenses, including tuition and fees, and also allow for personal expenses under certain conditions. This initiative fosters economic self-sufficiency and educational advancement among Alaska Native beneficiaries.

The John R. Stempka Memorial Scholarship, established by Linda Stempka and family, supports Erie County residents pursuing technical education, particularly in welding. In 2023, the Erie Community Foundation awarded over $800,000 in scholarships to empower more than 500 students in their educational endeavors. This scholarship aims to help individuals achieve their career goals and enhance their skills in the technical field, ensuring a brighter future for the community.

The ILSG Student Research Fund, established by the Institute on Lake Superior Geology, aims to support student research in the Lake Superior region with annual awards totaling US$1,000. This initiative encourages the presentation of research findings at ILSG meetings, fostering academic growth and collaboration. The fund originated from a US$10,000 contribution by the Board of Directors in 2005, with ongoing financial support from annual meeting proceeds, ensuring its sustainability for future student researchers.

The EEFF Educational Leadership Grant, initiated in 2008 by the Edward E. Ford Foundation, supports innovative proposals from independent schools that aim to impact educational practices nationally. Schools can apply without prior invitations, and grants are awarded based on proposal quality. Eligibility includes serving grades 9-12, having a diverse mission, and a head of school in their third year. The program encourages original thinking and partnerships beyond the school community, aiming for significant, replicable change.

Connecting Passion to Purpose

Marshall County Community Foundation is a public charity where local roots help great ideas take flight. We are community-minded partners and trusted investors. We help shape the vision for Marshall County. Our passion is to connect caring people with opportunities to make an impact.

Our mission is to serve all of Marshall county — its people and its future — by growing and managing endowment funding and fostering philanthropy.

Investing in the Scholars of 
Marshall County

Marshall County Community Foundation administers a number of scholarships, from traditional awards for graduating seniors to those geared towards current students, professionals, and other special circumstances.

Each scholarship has its own application guidelines, deadlines, and application process, so please be sure to read the instructions of the scholarship you’re applying for carefully.

All Marshall County Scholarships

We administer a number of scholarships, which range from the traditional academic and athletic awards to corporate and special circumstances offerings. These scholarships are open to all residents of Marshall County, as long as other requirements are met.

Applying for a scholarship is free, so we invite you to spend some time finding opportunities for which you are a good fit. You can learn more about each scholarship by clicking on each of the below scholarship titles.

The purpose of this scholarship is to provide one or more annual scholarships to a student and/or graduating seniors from a high school, home school, or alternative school in Marshall County.

ExtremeTerrain's Clean Trail Grant Program offers $250 for trail improvement projects, encouraging responsible off-roading. Eligible participants include Wrangler and 4x4 clubs, environmental organizations, and trail managers. The program aims to enhance trails through clean-ups, restorations, and expansions. Grants can be used for tools, food for volunteers, and promotional materials. Applicants must meet specific criteria, such as having a website and providing project photos. This initiative promotes stewardship of the natural landscapes we cherish.

The Raven Fund Jump Start Award, established by the CIRI Foundation, provides scholarships of up to $2,000 per year for CIRI voting shareholders who are high school students. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a recognized post-secondary education program, maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0. The funding covers direct educational costs such as tuition, books, and housing. The award allows for multiple applications within the year, encouraging ongoing educational pursuits.

The Raven Fund Scholarships, offered by the CIRI Foundation, support educational aspirations for CIRI voting shareholders who are not original shareholders or descendants. Award amounts include $200 per credit for full-time students, up to $3,000 per term, and similar support for part-time students. Funds cover tuition, fees, books, supplies, and housing. Applicants must have a high school diploma, be enrolled in an accredited program, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 to qualify.

The Special Excellence Annual Scholarship, offered by the CIRI Foundation, supports full-time students in 4-year undergraduate or graduate programs who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements and community service. With awards up to $20,000 for one academic year, this merit-based scholarship emphasizes the importance of maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.7 and encourages contributions to the Alaska Native community. This initiative fosters educational success and economic self-sufficiency among Alaska Natives and their descendants.

The New Music Creator Fund provides financial support to individual music creators across all genres, helping them advance their creative practice. This initiative covers costs associated with developing new work and collaborative projects. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and have three years of professional music experience. The fund aims to empower diverse music creators in the U.S. by facilitating the development of innovative musical ideas and fostering artistic collaboration.

Kenny Simon Scholarship

Kenny Simon, a member of the class 1988, met an untimely death in the summer of 1985. Kenny’s parents and friends established a scholarship fund in his honor.

The interest from this fund is to be used annually to provide a scholarship for a deserving member of the graduating class. In the event the scholarship if not applied for by students, the money will be contributed to the Special Olympics Program.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Frances F. Bourque Scholarship Fund Endowment established by Old School Square Center for the Arts

This scholarship honors Frances Bourque’s extraordinary legacy by nurturing the next generation of arts visionaries. It exists to ignite in young people the same passion for creative expression and cultural preservation that has defined Frances’s remarkable life of service.

Mark Gradeless Welding Scholarship

This award was created in 2021 to honor the life of Mark “Grady” Gradeless. A 1977 graduate of Columbia City Joint High School, he worked at Dana Corporation, where he tirelessly serviced machines from the age of 18 until his retirement. “Grady” was a member of the United Auto Workers, Steelworkers Union and could often be found in his barn fixing something or tinkering. He was known for his daredevil shenanigans, practical jokes, patience, hard work, common sense advice and ability to uplift those around him. “Grady” was an amazing Dad, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather and friend to all who knew and loved him. This award is for a student attending Ivy Tech Community College for the pursuit of a welding certificate.

Horizon of Hope Scholarship

Balancing the responsibilities of family and work can be challenging for anyone, but for single parents who want to improve their lives by continuing their education, juggling the added responsibilities can seem downright overwhelming.

The Horizons of Hope Fund was established to recognize and encourage single parents who have returned to school. Created to help lighten the load, Horizons of Hope assistance can be used for tuition expenses, books, supplies, transportation, childcare, or other living expenses.

Up to $500 per semester is available to single parents.

The USTA Player Development Excellence Grant supports aspiring U.S. tennis players by providing financial assistance based on performance and potential. Grants of up to $12,000 are awarded to players who meet specific criteria, encouraging their development into top 100 professionals. By utilizing USTA facilities and coaching, players can maximize their growth. The program aims to nurture young talent and ensure they have the resources necessary to succeed in competitive tennis.

The Aging Research Dissertation Awards aim to enhance diversity in the scientific research workforce focused on aging and related health conditions. This funding opportunity encourages applicants to submit Letters of Intent prior to full application deadlines. Key submission dates for standard and renewal applications span from February 2025 to October 2026, ensuring a wide array of research topics can be addressed.