Before seeking foundation grants to help offset the costs of your higher education, you should pursue the following avenues:

• Learn about federal aid opportunities.
• Fill out the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to calculate an early estimate of your eligibility.
• Learn about state-level funding from your state's financial aid agency.
• Contact the financial aid office(s) at the school(s) you are considering.
• Explore scholarship sites.
• Ask about scholarships from other organizations in your personal and professional networks, for example:
  • Department office for your academic program
  • Local or regional alumni clubs
  • Community, civic and religious organizations
  • Businesses or corporations that employ you, your parents, or your spouse

You can search for foundation grants with Foundation Grants to Individuals Online, our searchable database of grantmakers that provide support directly to individual grantseekers, including students. To search from your own computer, you can subscribe at our web site, or you can use it for free at Foundation Center libraries and partners.

If you are seeking funding as a graduate student, please see our related Knowledge Base article Where can I find information about financial aid as a graduate student?

More articles for students»

To start learning now about getting foundation grants, take our free online course, Finding Foundation Support for Your Education.

Selected resources below may also be helpful.

Books & Articles

Check title availability at Foundation Center libraries and Cooperating Collections or through your local library:

Como costear los estudios postsecundarios : guia de programas federales de ayuda estudiantil, 2009-2010 ed.

Annual Register of Grant Support: A Directory of Funding Sources

The Grants Register, 2009

Multiple directories by population group and academic field, edited by Gail Ann Schlachter and David R. Weber

More books & articles on scholarships»