Best Grants for International Development in Washington

The Avista Foundation offers sponsorships to non-profit organizations that support community needs in areas served by Avista Utilities and Alaska Electric Light and Power Co. Focused on education, environment, and cultural vitality, the foundation invites applications year-round for event sponsorships, requiring a 90-day review period. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) charities and civic groups within the service area, while requests for religious or political activities are not accepted.

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 empowering the next generation of scientific leaders. 

The Summer Undergraduate Research Program (the Cech Fellows Program) gives undergraduate students in the life sciences the opportunity to conduct hands-on research alongside leading scientists at HHMI laboratories across the US, from universities and research institutions to HHMI’s 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, gain professional mentorship, and explore potential careers in biological and biomedical research.

Gain Hands-On Experience in Research & Lab Work

Through the summer, students will:

• Work full time conducting research and contributing to ongoing projects in an HHMI laboratory
• Learn and practice new techniques and approaches in disciplines such as cell biology, genetics, neuroscience, and more
• Work closely with and be mentored by exceptional scientists, from lab heads to PhD students
• Build critical thinking and communication skills necessary for future research careers

What the Program Offers

Beyond meaningful lab work, the program provides:

• A stipend to support summer travel, housing, and living expenses 
• An opportunity for participants to present their research and connect with a national cohort of peers at an end-of-summer research symposium at HHMl’s research campus outside of Washington, DC 
• An engaging virtual seminar series with HHMI scientists as well as professional development sessions focused on relevant skills building

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Senior Master Sergeant Texie C. Taylor, USAF Memorial Scholarship

Applicant must be a junior or senior undergraduate or graduate student majoring in physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, nursing (RN), engineering (aerospace, civil, chemical, electrical, mechanical) or mathematics with a minimum 3.0 GPA. This is a one-year scholarship reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens residing within the Cherokee Nation jurisdictional area.

The NNLM Region 5 Professional Development Award offers funding for individuals at member institutions to enhance their knowledge and skills in health-related areas. This initiative aims to support meetings, workshops, and training that focus on health literacy, public health, and evidence-based practices. By fostering professional development, the NNLM seeks to improve healthcare services and access to health information across various communities, ultimately contributing to better public health outcomes.

The Waterville Community Fund Grants, managed by the Community Foundation of NCW, aim to support innovative programs that address community needs in Waterville, Washington. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental agencies. Grants prioritize projects enhancing existing programs and those with limited funding access. Ineligible uses include reimbursement for prior expenses. This initiative fosters community engagement and development across various sectors, including arts, education, and health services.

The Ida B. Wells Graduate Student Fellowship, offered by the Coordinating Council for Women in History, provides a $1000 award to graduate students working on dissertations that explore themes of race and gender. This fellowship supports crucial stages of research or writing for students across various disciplines, not limited to history departments. It aims to foster inclusive scholarship and advance the representation of women in historical studies, encouraging emerging scholars to engage with these vital topics.

Community Foundation for Southwest Washington

The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington is a public charitable organization dedicated to strengthening communities across Southwest Washington by connecting people, resources, and philanthropic goals. The Foundation works to inspire giving, steward charitable funds, and invest in programs and initiatives that address local needs and opportunities. Through donor-advised funds, scholarships, grants, and community partnerships, the Foundation supports education, economic opportunity, health, and quality of life throughout the region. Guided by values of integrity, collaboration, equity, and long-term impact, the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington serves as a trusted partner for donors and nonprofits committed to building resilient and thriving communities.

Betty and Glenn Tribe Scholarship

This scholarship awards 3–5 students annually, with individual awards typically ranging from $2,000 to $3,000. The scholarship is renewable, and renewal applicants must reapply each year, with preference given to previous recipients. Eligible applicants must be graduating seniors from a high school in the Battle Ground or Ridgefield School District, or current students at Clark College or Washington State University. Applicants must plan to continue their education at Clark College or Washington State University in the upcoming academic year and be pursuing a Mechanical Engineering degree.

Seattle Foundation is an agent of change, igniting powerful, rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

At Seattle Foundation, we believe that community is more than a place. It’s the shared understanding that our joy and well-being are tied to one another. Every day we work with nonprofits, philanthropists, and partners like you to strengthen community by igniting powerful philanthropy and advancing long-term solutions. Because it takes all of us to create a joyful region where every person can thrive.

Lambeth Family Scholarship

This scholarship, designed to honor and financially support students pursuing a degree in engineering, natural sciences, mathematics, computer science or business, supports high school seniors in Washington State who will study at a public university, community college or technical school. This scholarship varies from $1,000 to $3,000 and is renewable for up to 4 years.

The Tribal Colleges Education Equity Grants Program aims to enhance educational capacity in food and agricultural sciences for Native Alaskan and American Indian students. This initiative marks the start of a new four-year funding cycle focused on key priorities such as curriculum development, faculty training, student experiential learning, and essential teaching tools. By fostering recruitment and retention, the program seeks to strengthen strategic partnerships within tribal education systems.

The Community Development Block Grant Program for Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Villages aims to foster viable communities by providing funding for decent housing, suitable living environments, and economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals. Notably, the program also includes Imminent Threat Grants to address urgent public health or safety issues. These competitive grants are essential for enhancing community welfare and addressing immediate challenges faced by tribal residents.

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People depend on health care stories to make life-altering decisions every day.

AHCJ International Health Study Fellowships

A fellowship for experienced journalists with a focus on international health.

In comparing the U.S. health care system to its global counterparts, journalists traveling to different countries as part of the AHCJ International Fellowship program can produce projects that provide valuable insights that can help inform policy decisions, improve health care outcomes and contribute to the ongoing evolution of health care systems worldwide.

Through the AHCJ International Health Study Fellowships, supported by The Commonwealth Fund, you can pursue a story or project comparing a facet of the U.S. health care system to that of another country. 

For 2027, the focus will be on the U.K. and France in comparison with the U.S. health care system. You’ll pursue the projects with the support of your newsrooms or arranged outlets, which commit to publish or air the work.

This fellowship allows highly experienced journalists to maintain their regular employment while working to evaluate a key component of the health care system, a health outcome, access, performance, providers, efficiency or other focal point over a six-month period.

That period allows for preparatory time, a site visit to the chosen European country, interviews and information gathering, as well as follow-up and writing time. Guidance is provided through seminars, conference calls and consultations with AHCJ fellowship leaders, a mentor and exposure to various topic experts.

The A.J. Muste Memorial Institute's Social Justice Fund Grant supports grassroots activist projects in the U.S. and abroad, focusing on those with limited funding access. Prioritizing efforts to dismantle systemic injustices, the grant seeks proposals from organizations lacking mainstream support, especially those addressing issues like immigration violence, racial inequalities, and economic exploitation. The fund emphasizes direct activism and diverse leadership, making it a vital resource for community-driven initiatives in the pursuit of social justice.

CTSGC Faculty-Student Research Grant

To encourage undergraduate student engagement in the research process, NASA CTSGC has created a Student-Faculty Research Grant. This grant will enable undergraduate students to gain meaningful research experience in NASA CTSGC Affiliate research laboratories in areas consistent with the mission of NASA as exemplified by its Mission Directorates. They are Aeronautics Research, Human Exploration and Operations, Science, and Space Technology.

The award will support two undergraduate students (one from a 4-year institution and the other from a community college) with a stipend and provide a small stipend for the faculty advisor. If the research is happening over the summer, the project should span a minimum of 8-weeks in length, where students work full-time on the project. If the project is to be completed during the academic year, students and PI must present a plan to obtain approximately 320 hours of commitment to the project.

Award Information 

Refer to the NASA CTSGC website for the amount and number of awards available each program year. Since this is an institutional award, a subcontract for each lead institution will be executed.

Fund Distribution 

Funds will be available upon successful completion of a sub-award to the master agreement between the grant awardee’s institution and the University of Hartford, and then will be paid to the grant awardee’s institution to be distributed according to its policies related to faculty grants. Final payment will be made upon submission and approval of all post-award reporting. Details will be conveyed within the award agreement.

The PROTECT Competitive Grant Program aims to enhance the resilience of surface transportation systems, including highways and public transit, through innovative projects. With up to $787 million available from FYs 2024-2026, the program focuses on protecting transportation assets and communities, ensuring they can withstand challenges and recover quickly. This initiative also emphasizes the importance of coastal and natural infrastructure in safeguarding transportation networks. More details can be found in the full NOFO on Grants.gov.

The SHAPE America: Joy of Effort Award recognizes dedicated individuals who exemplify the spirit of commitment and passion in health and physical education. Awardees are current SHAPE America members with at least three years of membership, demonstrating excellence in teaching, coaching, or leadership. This prestigious award celebrates those who have made significant contributions to the field, inspiring others to lead healthy, active lives through their efforts in education and advocacy.

The Mansfield Community Fund, supported by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, offers grants to 501(c)3 nonprofits and governmental agencies serving the Mansfield community. Priority is given to innovative projects that enhance existing programs and have limited access to funding. The grants aim to support various sectors, including arts, education, and health services, and funds must be utilized within a year of being awarded, ensuring timely community impact.

Alliance for Social Trust: Trust in Practice Awards

Trust is the foundation of vibrant, resilient communities and healthy civic life. Across the country, local and national organizations are demonstrating the profound ways trust shapes our collective well-being—strengthening relationships between neighbors, cultivating confidence in institutions, and enabling people to work together to solve shared challenges. These efforts are often rooted in the knowledge and leadership of those closest to the work. 

The Trust in Practice Awards support non-profit organizations that are collaborating on new initiatives to build trust across local or virtual communities. Grantees will be part of a national network dedicated to fostering trust through the Alliance for Social Trust’s programs and storytelling platforms. Award recipients will also participate in the annual Trust in Practice Summit to celebrate the work of trust builders.

The C Spire Wireless Foundation provides sponsorships primarily focused on STEM education, aiming to enhance digital literacy and workforce development in underserved communities. Organizations eligible for support must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities dedicated to these educational initiatives. Preference is given to projects based in the foundation's service region. Proposals should be submitted at least 90 days prior to events for consideration, with a review process taking two to three weeks.

The Cold Noses Foundation Grant aims to support organizations dedicated to the humane treatment of animals, including domestic pets, wildlife, and farm animals. Grants are available to U.S. non-profits and selected international equivalents with an annual income of $200,000 or less. The foundation emphasizes accountability, requiring detailed financial reporting and adherence to ethical standards. Deadlines for applications vary by region, ensuring timely funding for impactful animal welfare projects.

Tara Lynn Clossman Memorial Fund

Established by the Clossman family and many others in memory of Tara Clossman, who passed away suddenly in 2016 at the age of 25, to provide postsecondary scholarships to Akron City School District high school seniors pursuing a career in dance or education.

Amount:

• Varies ($1,000 minimum)

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• No

The C Spire Wireless Foundation Grant supports STEM education initiatives in Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama. Aimed at 501(c)(3) organizations, it focuses on projects that enhance digital literacy, technology skills, and workforce development. With a commitment to community transformation, the foundation prioritizes local projects that improve tech education and broadband access, creating a stronger future for the region. Applications must be submitted 150 days before the event, with a review period of up to four weeks.

About Us

Our Mission

The Marfan Foundation drives research, education and support – and builds community – to improve outcomes, save lives and empower all people to thrive who are living with Marfan, Loeys-Dietz, Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, and related genetic aortic and vascular conditions.

Our Vision

Quality of life, longevity, and cures for all people with genetic aortic and vascular conditions.

Innovators Award

This is for faculty investigators for $100,000 over 2 years ($50,000 per year), to explore an innovative concept in “translational” science that has applicability to improving human health. Examples could include fundamental research, diagnostic tests, biomarkers, biomedical engineering advances, and imaging advances. Collection of data for improved evidence-based medical guidance are of great interest.

The National Institute of Social Sciences invites nominations for its Dissertation Grants Program aimed at supporting exceptional Ph.D. students in social sciences. Grants up to $5,000 will help cover dissertation-related expenses, promoting innovative research in fields like Anthropology, Economics, History, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology. Eligible U.S. universities may nominate up to two candidates, encouraging diverse interdisciplinary projects. This initiative seeks to empower future scholars in their academic endeavors.

Armstrong County Community Foundation (The Community Foundation Serving the Heart of Western Pennsylvania)

In 1997 Merchants National Bank, an Armstrong County community bank, marked its 100th anniversary. The centennial celebration included a unique expression of gratitude to the community in the form of $100,000 to be used as a seed fund to initiate a community foundation for Armstrong County. The bank challenged the community to keep the principal balance of the endowed funds intact and spend only a portion of the interest earnings to ensure a lasting legacy.

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Richard G. Snyder Family Scholarship

The Richard G. Snyder Family Scholarship for the Fields of Agriculture and the Fields of the Earth and Mineral Sciences was established to provide funds for scholarships for students majoring in the fields of agriculture or the fields of the earth and mineral sciences. 

The Joe Booker Endowed Scholarship, administered by the Hamilton County Community Foundation, supports students in Indiana who advocate for limited government based on Judeo-Christian values. This scholarship aims to empower individuals to achieve their educational goals, promoting a community where everyone has equitable opportunities. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and preference is given to residents from Arcadia or Cicero, IN. This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering civic responsibility and community engagement.

The Tribal Undergraduate to Graduate Research Training and Leadership Experiences (TURTLE) Program aims to support federally recognized AI/AN Tribes and organizations in developing a workforce of researchers focused on AI/AN health disparities. This initiative, funded by the NIH, provides phased support for training and mentoring activities that equip individuals with the necessary skills to conduct culturally responsible biomedical research, ultimately guiding them towards successful careers in the biomedical research field.

The Arts in Parks program, initiated by Seattle’s Office of Arts & Culture and Seattle Parks and Recreation, fosters arts and culture events in city parks, particularly in underserved neighborhoods. This grant supports grassroots organizations and individual artists in creating inclusive cultural activities that celebrate Seattle’s diversity. The program aims to empower communities by providing a platform for artistic expression, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued, regardless of their background.