FINRA Provides Financial Literacy Grants

Foundation: FINRA Investor Education Program;
Opportunity: General Grant Program;
Funding Focus: Education, financial literacy, low-income families;
Funding: Grants from $60,000 to more than $700,000 each;
Deadline: None.

Purpose: Through the General Grant Program, FINRA funds research and educational projects that support its mission of providing low-income individuals and families with the knowledge, skills and tools necessary for financial success. The first step in applying for a general grant is the submission of a project concept form. This three-page form assists the foundation in assessing the applicant's eligibility for funding. The form is available via the link at the end of this story. The FINRA Foundation accepts these forms at any time during the year. The foundation will respond to an applicant within one month of receipt and either decline the request or invite a full proposal. Potential grantees are encouraged to expand or leverage programs or materials developed or supported by the FINRA Foundation, FINRA and the Nat'l Endowment for Financial Education. For the resources and materials, please visit http://www.finrafoundation.org/resources/.

Insider's tip: In addition to the General Grant Program, the foundation partners with other organizations on funding opportunities. The Smart Investing @ Your Library program is a joint effort between the foundation and the American Library Association. The program helps build the capacity of public libraries to provide effective, unbiased financial and investor education. This grant program supports public libraries in their efforts to meet financial/investor education needs at the community level by providing high-quality resources and services. The deadline is generally in midsummer. For more on the effort, please visit http://smartinvesting.ala.org/.

The Financial Education in Your Community Program was launched in 2009 by the foundation and the United Way. The program helps community-based organizations provide effective and unbiased financial education. For more on the program, please visit http://www.finrafoundation.org/grants/community/.

Info: For more on the FINRA Foundation, including a link to the concept form, please visit http://www.finrafoundation.org/grants/general/application/.