There’s No Such Thing As Can't
Unlock the Power of Education with the Darlene Iva Wood Foundation




About the Darlene Iva Wood Foundation
Our Mission
At the Darlene Iva Wood Foundation, we believe in the power of education to change lives. Our mission is to empower African-American students by alleviating the financial barriers to higher education. We focus on covering the costs of books, ensuring that the scholars we support can fully engage in their academic pursuits without the burden of additional expenses.
Our Vision
At the Darlene Iva Wood Foundation, we believe in the power of education to change lives. Our mission is to empower African-American students by alleviating the financial barriers to higher education. We focus on covering the costs of books, ensuring that the scholars we support can fully engage in their academic pursuits without the burden of additional expenses.
Our Founding Story
The Darlene Iva Wood Foundation was born out of a desire to honor the legacy of Darlene Iva Wood, a staunch believer in the transformative power of education. Darlene’s life was a testament to the principle that with determination and support, every obstacle can be overcome. Inspired by her perseverance and commitment to helping others, the foundation was established to continue her work in empowering the next generation of leaders.
Our Impact
Scholarships Awarded
Scholarships Recipients
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Success Stories


“I have recently graduated from Spelman College with a BA in Sociology & Anthropology and Music Performance. Before attending college, I was aware of the costs associated with higher education and knew that I would be responsible for obtaining scholarships to fund my education. Throughout my senior year of high school and during college, I was diligent in applying for various scholarships of different amounts. Thankfully, organizations such as the DIW Foundation supported me in ensuring that I could stay enrolled at Spelman College. I have been fortunate to have such a great foundation in my network to support my academic goals without much worry about tuition. By not having the stress of covering the entire cost of attendance, I was able to remain engaged in my work, stay active on campus, and take advantage of opportunities provided by Spelman College.”
How to Apply
Our scholarships are designed to support African-American students by covering the cost of their academic books. If you’re passionate about your education and meet our eligibility criteria, we encourage you to apply. Here’s a simple guide to help you through our application process.


Get Involved
Your Generosity, Their Future
At the Darlene Iva Wood Foundation, we are dedicated to breaking down the financial barriers that stand between African-American students and their academic aspirations. Our mission to cover the cost of books for college students is made possible by the generous support of donors like you. Every donation, no matter the size, has a profound impact on the lives of our scholars.
Join Our Community of Supporters
By donating to the Darlene Iva Wood Foundation, you become part of a passionate community committed to making higher education accessible to all. Together, we can dismantle the financial barriers that prevent talented African-American students from reaching their full potential.
For more information on how to donate or get involved, please visit our donation page or contact us directly at info@diwfoundation.org. Your support can change lives, one book at a time.
Volunteer with Us: Make an Impact
Join Our Mission to Empower Education
At the Darlene Iva Wood Foundation, we believe that volunteering is a powerful way to make a direct impact on the lives of African-American students striving for higher education. Our volunteers are essential to our mission, bringing diverse skills, experiences, and a shared commitment to educational equity. Here’s how you can get involved and contribute your time and talents to support our scholars.
Why Volunteer with us?
01
Your efforts directly support students in overcoming financial barriers to education.
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Join a network of passionate individuals working towards a common goal of educational empowerment.
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Develop new skills and gain valuable experience in the non-profit sector, event planning, mentorship, and more.
News and Events
2025 Scholarship Application is Open
The application window for the 2025 scholarships are now open.
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