Free Education Grants

Foundation Grants to Individuals

Jun 18, 2009 Kristi Carter

This article discusses free education grants and foundation grants to individuals.

While most people are aware of the fact that the government offers grants to provide education to individuals who can’t afford it, or individuals who have shown excellence in some academic area, most are not aware that there are other types of grants as well. Many wealthy individuals, foundations and organizations also offer different types of grants. This increases the chance of individuals receiving some kind of grant.

Find Foundations

In order to receive grants from foundations, individuals must first find foundations to obtain grant applications from. When looking for educational grants, it’s important to find foundations that are dedicated to education and schooling. A directory of foundations is available at Edutopia. and a few of the most commonly known educational foundations include the George Lucas Educational Foundation and the Davis Foundation.

Finding Foundation Grants

Foundation grants are often more difficult to find than government grants. However, one site that is quite helpful in listing grants available from foundations and private benefactors can be found at the Foundation Center. Individuals can subscribe to this website and learn when new grants are being offered. Details are available through this website and the grant applications can be obtained here as well. This is also a great website to receive valuable tips and suggestions that can help individuals have a better chance of winning the grant they are applying for.

Apply for Foundation Grants

Many foundation grants require that individuals fill out a grant proposal. This gives the individual(s) reviewing the application the chance to tell what the grant money will be used for and what kinds of benefits will result. Aside from the grant proposal, the application should be very carefully read and then the answers should be given in a clear, concise and easy to read manner. All answers and information should be checked and double-checked for accuracy and to ensure that no typographical or grammatical errors are present.

Design a Grant Proposal

The grant proposal should be written clearly and in an easy to read way. The benefits should be conveyed so that the grant panel reviewers understand the importance of approving the individual for the grant. Some individuals choose to hire a writer to take care of the grant proposal for them. However, it’s entirely possible to write a winning proposal without hiring a professional when a few clear guidelines are followed. Learn about grant proposals and find out what the grant review panel wants to see. Have someone proofread the grant proposal to ensure that no errors are present and that it reads well.

Send it in By the Deadline

Be sure that the deadline is well away when the application is sent off. It’s important to send the application at least a few weeks in advance, but the faster, the better. Some foundations give grants in a first come, first serve manner. Also, the application should be mailed in a large envelope and unfolded. Be sure that there adequate postage is on the envelope so that it will arrive at its destination and will not be returned.

By using the information above, individuals can successfully find and apply for foundation education grants.

Additional Resources

Apply for Free Government Grants

The copyright of the article Free Education Grants in Personal Budgeting/Finance is owned by Kristi Carter. Permission to republish Free Education Grants in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Foundation Grants for Individuals, Ximagination Foundation Grants for Individuals