FREE money: Scholarships and grants

But even though the money is free, that doesn’t mean it comes without a cost: You’ll spend time and effort finding and applying for the opportunities that are right for you, your interests, and your area of study. It shouldn’t be surprising that there are many to consider, so be prepared to approach your scholarship-and-grant search in the same way you would a job hunt. It will take many hours, much energy, and a bit of a thick skin, as you are bound to get rejected by some.

Even though the money is free, that doesn’t mean it comes without a cost… It will take many hours, much energy, and a bit of a thick skin.

1. Seek guidance from the pros. Talk to your high school guidance office and/or the financial aid office at your target college for leads and advice.

2. Think local. Many civic, church, and community-based organizations, as well as big businesses, offer scholarships. Inquire at your place of worship as well as the local Rotary, Lions, Eagles, and Elks clubs.

3. Tap into government resources. Nearly every state offers scholarships specifically intended for residents. Interested in a public service or government career? You may have an advantage. (Search for scholarships specific to your state through this CollegeScholarships.org page.)

4. Network. Just like in a job search, the more people who know you are looking for scholarships, the more doors will open. Don’t be shy. Ask anyone and everyone if they know of scholarship opportunities.

5. DO NOT PAY for any services promising leads or opportunities. There are too many free options to go the pay-for-play route, and they may not be legitimate, regardless of claims to guarantee you scholarships.

6. Pay close attention to deadlines, and don’t miss them!

7. Utilize the internet. Start with these reputable scholarship search engines:

• CareerOneStop
• Fastweb
• The College Board
• Scholarships.com
• CollegeNET
• Scholarship Monkey

In terms of specific scholarships, we can’t possibly list all of the opportunities available, but we can point you to those that are more common or geared toward nonprofit professionals. Keep in mind, however, that there are many others you could qualify for.

Common federal grants:
Federal Pell Grants
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant
GI Bill benefits

Scholarships:
Nonprofit Expert Scholarships
CareerOneStop
Scholarships for Military Families
Listing of grants, scholarships, and fellowships from benefits.gov
Scholarship America
Samuel Huntington Public Service Award for graduating college seniors

FOR MORE INSIGHT

On scholarships and grants
Best College Scholarships – 2019 (Chamber of Commerce)
Paying for college (U.S. News & World Report)
Grants and scholarships are free money to help pay for college or career school (Office of Federal Student Aid)
Find and apply for as many scholarships as you can – it’s free money for college or career school! (Office of Federal Student Aid)
Guide to Paying for College (student loans.net)

On federal aid in general
Learn about eligibility criteria for the federal student aid programs (Office of Federal Student Aid)
If you’re not ready to apply for federal student aid, but you’d like to estimate your aid, try FAFSA4caster (Office of Federal Student Aid)