Deadline:
January 15, 2025
Location(s)
Canada United States of America
Overview
Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) was founded in 1981 in memory of Margaret Craig McNamara, who dedicated her life to improving the lives of underserved women and children at home and overseas. Education grants are awarded to women from developing and middle-income countries who, upon obtainment of their degree, intend to return to or remain in their countries, or other developing countries, and work to improve the lives of women and/or children.
Details
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.
“MMEG has supported 416 exceptional women from more than 75 countries, who are inspired to improve the lives of women and children around the world."
WHAT WE'VE ACHIEVED
In 1983, we awarded our first education grant to a Liberian woman who was studying nursing at Catholic University. Since then, our program has grown, as word of our mission has spread.
- Grants have been awarded to women from over 75 countries.
- Almost US$ 4 Million have been distributed through education grants.
- Applications are received from hundreds of accredited universities in the USA and Canada.
- Our program expanded to five universities in South Africa in 2007.
- Women studying in select universities in Latin America became eligible to receive grants in 2011.
US & CANADA PROGRAM
MMEG awards education grants on a competitive basis to exceptional women from developing countries who are enrolled as full-time students for the following academic term in accredited universities in the United States and Canada, have demonstrated financial need and are committed to working for the well-being of women and children. Applicants are screened by an all-volunteer, independent selection committee, and grants are awarded by the Board of Directors by April every year.
Applications are accepted between September 15 - January 15. Queries may be addressed to us-canada@mmeg.org.
Remember to read the Application Checklist & FAQs before applying, and select the "US-Canada program" in the first question of the application. If the program name does not appear, the program may be closed to new applications.
The results will be announced on our web page in early April. Successful candidates will be informed personally.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Please read the following information carefully and read application checklist provided in the left menu before applying.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be a self-identifying woman, and at least 25 years old at time of application deadline (see specific regional program application below);
- Be a national of a country listed on the MMEG Country Eligibility List (except for the Trinity Washington University program);
- Be enrolled (not just accepted) at an accredited academic institution when submitting application; and plan to be enrolled for a full academic term after award of the grant by the Board;
- Not be related to a World Bank Group, International Monetary Fund or Inter-American Development Bank staff member or spouse;
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 status
Dates
Deadline: January 15, 2025
Cost/funding for participants
In past years, grants of up to US$15,000 have been awarded in the US/Canada program, and US$7,000 in the Africa, Latin America and Trinity programs. Grant amounts may vary, based on exchange rates and availability of funds.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
