Margaret McNamara Educational Grants for Women from Developing Countries 2023

MMEG grant targeted to women from developing countries. Our mission is to assist women from developing countries who are pursuing their education with the aim of improving the lives of women and children in developing countries. MMEG is one of the few organizations that provides financial assistance to such women.

About Margaret McNamara Educational Grants (MMEG)

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. The Margaret McNamara Education Grants (formerly known as MMMF) is a nonprofit, public charity founded in 1981, which awards education grants to... read more

Margaret McNamara Educational Grants

Aim and Benefits of Margaret McNamara Educational Grants

In past years, grants of up to US$15,000 have been awarded in the US-Canada program, and up to US$7,000 in the South Africa, Latin America and Caribbean, and Trinity Washington University programs. Grant amounts may vary, based on exchange rates and availability of funds.

Requirements for Margaret McNamara Educational Grants Qualification

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 in-person academic institution when submitting their application; 

• Plan to be enrolled for at least one full academic semester (half-year term) after award of the MMEG grant;

• Plan to graduate no later than three 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.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Before starting the MMEG application process, please scan the following documents in digital form (pdf preferred, jpeg or png): 

• Identification (ID) card with photo: 

  • (a) national passport page with photo and date of birth, if studying outside your home country, or

  • (b) government/university-issued identity card with photo and birth date;

• Most recent proof of official registration from university (not an acceptance letter); 

• Most recent official university transcripts and/or reports

• Visa page or study permit page within current passport (if studying outside home country); 

• Second passport page with clear photo (in case of dual citizenship).

You will be asked to upload these documents at specific points in the on-line application form.  You will also provide:

• Brief paragraphs describing your personal story, and how your studies, experiences, and future plans are linked to your commitment to women and children in developing countries;

• An estimate of your financial situation, including living expenses, for the coming academic year, and planned strategies to cover funding needs;

• A summary of your thesis (if applicable), including its objective, methodology, and findings, and relationship to career goals.

Two reference letters are required.

• One referee must be a faculty member from your current university. The second referee may be a person (non-family member) who can vouch for your character. At least one of the individuals must have known you for the equivalent of at least two semesters.

• Please contact two people from whom you would like to request a reference letter.  After receiving their confirmation, you will be asked to provide in the application form: the email addresses  of the two people providing references. They will each receive an email link from the Embark online platform to write their recommendation. When their recommendations are submitted, you will be notified by Embark.

For more details, visit MMEG website.