US & Canada Grant Program

US & Canada Grant Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: The Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund
Amount: Up to US $15,000
Last Updated: September 19, 2025

Summary

The US & Canada Grant Program, supported by the Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund, focuses on empowering women from developing countries to achieve higher education. Since 1981, it has provided grants to women aged 25 and above who are enrolled in accredited universities in the US, Canada, and select institutions in South Africa and Latin America. This initiative honors Margaret McNamara's legacy of advocating for education and gender equality, ensuring that deserving women can pursue their academic goals.

Overview

MMEG Supports Women From Developing Countries In Their Pursuit of Higher Education. Our organization draws inspiration from Margaret McNamara, and her vision of education and gender equality. Margaret used her influence as wife of Robert McNamara, the World Bank's fifth President, to advocate for the recognition and inclusion of these critical elements of development programs. Before her death, she was awarded the highest civilian distinction in the United States, the Medal of Honor, in recognition of her important contributions. Our Mission The Margaret McNamara Education Grants (formerly known as MMMF) is a nonprofit, public charity founded in 1981, which awards education grants to exceptional women from developing countries, who are at least 25 years old, and enrolled at universities in the US, Canada and select universities in South Africa and Latin America.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:be a self-identifying woman, and at least 25 years old at time of application deadline;be a national of a country listed on the MMEG Country Eligibility List (except for the Trinity Washington University program); be registered (not just accepted) at an accredited academic institution when submitting their application;be registered (not just accepted) at an accredited in-person academic institution and program when submitting their application;plan to be enrolled for one full academic semester (half-year term) after award of the MMEG grant;plan to graduate no later than two and a half years after the award of the MMEG grant;not be related to a World Bank Group, International Monetary Fund, or Inter-American Development Bank staff member, spouse, retiree, or MMEG Board member; In addition to the above criteria, an applicant must:already be enrolled as a full-time student, with relevant student visa in national passport, and plan to continue studying full-time in the following academic year;not hold US citizenship or permanent residency (green card) or Canadian citizenship or Canadian landed immigrant statusIn addition to the general eligibility criteria, applicants must:already be enrolled as a full-time student, with relevant and valid student visa in national passport (Form I-20 may be submitted);plan to continue studying full-time for at least one academic semester (half year) following the award of the MMEG grant in April;plan to graduate no later than two and a half years following the award of the MMEG grant;not hold US citizenship or permanent residency (green card) or Canadian citizenship or Canadian landed immigrant status.If unsuccessful in obtaining a grant, applicants may re-apply in the future. Recipients of the MMEG grant are eligible to receive the grant only once.

Ineligibility

May not hold: US citizenship or permanent residency (green card) or Canadian citizenship or Canadian landed immigrant status.May not be a relative of a World Bank Group, International Monetary Fund or Inter-American Development Bank staff or his/her spouse.May not have received a MMMF grant previously.