Best Technology Grants in American Samoa

The Lewis-Houghton Civics and Democracy Initiative, under the Teaching with Primary Sources program, aims to empower organizations in the U.S. and its territories to create innovative projects that leverage digitized primary sources from the Library of Congress. This initiative, named after Reps. Lewis and Houghton, promotes education in civics, democracy, and history, fostering critical thinking and literacy among students. Grants will be awarded based on the proposal's alignment with these educational goals, enhancing community engagement.

U.S. postdoctoral researchers and junior faculty pursuing biomedical, behavioral, or clinical technology-related research in low- and middle-income countries can apply for the International Research Scientist Development Award, which provides salary and research support. American Samoa technology researchers may be eligible if their work advances data science, emerging technology, or digital information systems in global health contexts.

Research institutions and similar organizations in American Samoa and other eligible regions can seek funding to develop and test innovative digital health tools and mobile health interventions for underserved settings. With a mission to advance health technology, the National Institutes of Health supports projects using emerging platforms, systems, or analytics that improve clinical and public health outcomes and foster U.S.–LMIC collaboration.

U.S. and territory-based disability-led groups working at the intersection of technology, disability rights, and justice can apply for the DIF x Tech Fund, with awards of US $25,000 - US $70,000 for charitable projects. Organizations in American Samoa advancing tech access, digital infrastructure, or disabled leadership in tech may be eligible.

American Samoa technology access and digital literacy organizations can access funding through the National Science Foundation’s TechAccess: AI-Ready America initiative, which supports state and territory AI coordination hubs. Eligible public-serving entities may receive US $3,000,000 - US $4,000,000 to strengthen AI readiness, expand access to AI tools and knowledge, and build workforce upskilling programs.

Undergraduate students in STEM and NOAA-related fields in American Samoa can access funding through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, receiving up to US $40,000 plus a paid summer internship. U.S. citizens enrolled full-time at accredited U.S. or territorial colleges may benefit, including those in technology, environmental science, and related disciplines.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on technology access, digital literacy, or technology education and training in American Samoa can receive support through Affirm Cares. Affirm Cares provides U.S.-based groups with funding for K–12 coding, bootcamps, workforce development, and related tech initiatives; fiscally sponsored projects may also be eligible.

Eligible incorporated entities, tribal organizations, governments, cooperatives, and other legal entities in American Samoa can apply for USDA Rural Development’s Community Connect Grants; awards US $100,000 - US $5,000,000 for rural broadband infrastructure and community connectivity. Grants from USDA Rural Development help expand technology access, supporting economic development, education, healthcare, public safety, and digital inclusion in underserved rural areas.

Nonprofit organizations running technology-enabled education, cybersecurity, or AI workforce programs for underrepresented learners can apply for support from Kyndryl Charitable Foundation; eligible groups must be U.S.-based or hold a 501(c)(3) equivalency. While funding is global, American Samoa organizations working on digital literacy or tech workforce development may be eligible if they meet these criteria.

Local churches developing stewardship, technology, or leadership ministries can apply for grants up to US $500 from the Kentucky Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church; awards support AV upgrades, worship technology, and leadership training. Churches in American Samoa with similar ministry needs may be eligible if they fit the Conference’s criteria.

Hawaii students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate STEM degrees at accredited U.S. colleges can receive scholarship support for medicine, science, technology, engineering, or mathematics studies, including technology-related fields. Hawai'i Community Foundation’s Otto & Aegun Hensens Educational Fund may benefit applicants from American Samoa who meet residency, Hawaii high school graduation, academic, and financial-need requirements.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations focused on STEM education, digital literacy, and workforce skills development can seek funding that supports technology-focused programs; the opportunity is open nationally, including American Samoa. Focused on STEM and tech education, C Spire Wireless Foundation invites eligible groups to propose projects that enhance digital literacy, professional skills, and broadband-related access.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations focused on STEM education, digital literacy, and workforce skills can seek sponsorship support from C Spire Wireless Foundation, including groups serving American Samoa. Focused on technology and broadband access, the foundation invites proposals for community projects and events, with preference for organizations based in its service region.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running Christian technology, media, or digital outreach projects, including those serving American Samoa, may be eligible for support to advance evangelism, leadership, and holistic ministries. Grants from Festus and Helen Stacy Foundation help ministries use media and technology to engage culture, support children and youth, and serve poor and marginalized communities worldwide.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) community organizations using or exploring AI to enhance services, arts and culture, or community journalism can apply for the People-First AI Fund, supporting technology access and digital literacy. Eligible nonprofits must primarily operate in the U.S. and have small to mid-sized budgets; select regranting organizations may also qualify.

American Samoa organizations working on science, education, creativity, or technology access and digital literacy can access funding through Promega Corporation’s corporate giving program. Eligible U.S. and Canadian groups may seek support for programs that advance scientific research, expand educational and technological enrichment, or provide arts and cultural initiatives that foster innovation and community impact.

Nonprofits and for-profit organizations focused on technology access, digital literacy, and workforce readiness can apply for the Future of Work Accelerator, which offers US $100,000 in funding plus HP technology and a six-month virtual capacity-building program. American Samoa technology initiatives serving youth, on-demand workers, or small businesses may be eligible for this U.S.-based opportunity from Hewlett Packard Enterprise Foundation.

Education researchers and K-12 school partners in American Samoa studying cell phone use and digital technology policies can apply for Arnold Ventures support. Arnold Ventures provides American Samoa technology access and digital literacy organizations with funding for rigorous randomized or quasi-experimental studies on how school cell phone policies affect academic, behavioral, and mental health outcomes in U.S. K-12 settings.

Beyond the Net Grant Program

The Internet Society Foundation’s Beyond the Net Grant Program offers funding to support Internet Society Chapters to implement innovative projects that make a local impact by providing meaningful access to an open, trusted, and globally-connected Internet, as well as strengthening the Chapters’ presence in the surrounding community. 

Program Objectives

• Strengthen the impact of the Internet Society and the Internet Society Foundation’s mission and global initiatives with complementary local activities. 
• Develop new and strengthen existing relationships and partnerships at the local level.

Focus Areas

The Foundation will support Internet Society Chapters to implement initiatives within one or more of the following thematic areas:

Projects that support community-centered connectivity for unconnected and under-connected populations by providing easy, sustainable solutions, and training on productive use of the Internet.

Projects that make access affordable and resilient for unconnected and under-connected populations by improving, supporting, or advocating for the development of local Internet interconnection infrastructure (e.g., IXPs).

Projects that equip recently connected people with knowledge and skills to protect themselves and their communities online.

Projects that advocate for and educate policy makers, courts, decision makers, and commercial entities about threats to the Internet as an open and accessible platform for free expression and the exchange of ideas, safeguarding fundamental rights, ensuring the well-being of users, and fostering trust in digital technologies.

The Bernie Smillie Memorial Scholarship was established in 2010, in memory of Freeland resident and business owner Bernie Smillie. Bernie passed away in 2000, due to complications from a lung transplant he had received in 1994. In 2005, family and friends of Bernie established the Bernie Smillie Memorial Golf Outing. Proceeds of this outing has helped to promote organ donor support and awareness and establish this scholarship fund.

Bernie Smillie Memorial Scholarship - Michigan Resident

Evaluation Criteria

• Financial need (20)
• Work experience (20)
• Overall involvement at work, school and community activities (20)
• Career goals as demonstrated in essay (20)
• Letters of recommendation

Women of Colors Scholarship

Women of Colors (WOC) was founded in 1993 by a group of women that believed it would take a cooperative effort of women of all nationalities, ages and socioeconomic status to address issues plaguing the Saginaw Community. The founders believed that women should take a more active role in addressing issues of crime, blight and poverty. WOC began by providing support, community outreach services and facilitating discussions within the community. WOC’s mission promotes multi-cultural diversity and enhances community relations in Saginaw County by performing community service, mentoring youth, and collaborating with other organizations.

The Women of Colors Scholarship will be awarded each year to a Great Empowering Motivational Sessions (GEMS) member that is an area high school senior actively involved in efforts to empower young women and in activities that address issues affecting young women in the Saginaw Community. If no GEMS members are high school seniors, applications will be accepted from non-GEMS applicants.

The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) aims to enhance broadband access and adoption on Tribal lands, supporting initiatives for remote learning, telework, and telehealth. Administered by NTIA, this program provides vital funding to eligible entities under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. This funding is crucial for fostering digital inclusion and improving connectivity in underserved Tribal communities.

The Native Entities Grant Program, initiated by NTIA under the Digital Equity Act of 2021, aims to support Indian Tribes, Alaska Native entities, and Native Hawaiian organizations. This program streamlines funding through a unified application for two significant initiatives: the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant and the Digital Equity Competitive Grant. By focusing on reducing administrative burdens, it enhances access to digital resources and equity in underserved communities.

Grant Guidelines

To advance its mission to build a responsible and equitable technology ecosystem, the Kapor Foundation makes strategic grants across three focus areas: (1) Computing Education, (2) Innovation, and (3) Governance.

Within each focus area, we fund research on critical topics at the intersection of racial equity and tech, capacity-building that strengthens coalitions and movement-building infrastructure, and policy advocacy that drives systemic change.

Funding Priorities

We fund organizations and initiatives aligned with our core focus areas:

Given advances in Al, a new vision of education is urgently needed — one that ensures students are equipped with the technical skills to build emerging technologies and the critical skills to navigate their socio-technical implications. We fund computing education initiatives across K-12, postsecondary, and alternative pathways that expand computing participation at scale, shift policy to ensure equitable access, and expand the pipeline of educators prepared to teach computing.

2. 

Al is being designed, developed, and deployed rapidly, yet the communities most affected by its impacts are largely excluded from its creation and subsequent economic benefits. We support organizations and individuals that build responsible Al technologies, leverage technology to close gaps in access and opportunity, and invest in initiatives and coalitions that advance responsible Al in the entrepreneurship and venture capital ecosystems.

3.

As Al adoption accelerates, bolder approaches to regulation are necessary to protect marginalized communities from technological harm, expand economic opportunity, and ensure the benefits of technology reach everyone. We support efforts that build awareness of key policy issues, develop policy agendas, and mobilize coalitions.

For 2026, our priority advocacy areas are: 1) computing education, 2) algorithmic bias, 3) Al safeguards for children, 4) data center development, and 5) surveillance and civil rights.

The Career Development Grants, offered by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), support women with bachelor's degrees seeking to advance or change careers, particularly in high-growth STEM fields. These grants fund post-bachelor's coursework, including master's degrees or certifications, at accredited institutions. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to their educational pursuits and meet specific eligibility criteria, such as being enrolled in accredited programs that promote women's participation in underrepresented fields.

The FRS Community Grant Program supports rural communities served by NTCA members, offering grants up to $5,000 for various local initiatives. Priority is given to projects that promote economic development, education, health, and public service. Eligible applicants must secure a 10% match of the grant amount requested. Ineligible projects include overhead expenses, individuals, and those without secured funding. FRS aims to foster sustainable and engaged rural communities through these efforts.

The Enhancing Student Mathematics Learning through the Use of Tools and Technology Grants, provided by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aim to promote innovative technology use in teaching mathematics to Pre-K-12 students. These grants encourage proposals that focus on enhancing students' understanding of math concepts through various tools, including professional development for educators. Eligible applicants include current math teachers and full-time coaches, with a focus on impactful evaluation plans.