Ask your financial aid officer for guidance. Your current or future school may offer a variety of grants which are often provided by alumni associations, or even school fundraising endeavors. Get a list of available grants to find those that suit your financial situation and academic focus. If possible, receive recommendations from your financial aid officer to better your chances at possible internal funding. Finding out about available funding may even help you decide an academic major to pursue.
Scour government financial aid websites for possibilities. Search for available grants using your personal details including your state of residence, educational goals and academic status. Pay attention to important application deadlines, instructions and restrictions. Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid as soon as possible for the best chances at government funding.
Search for career-based grants. Many public companies and private organizations offer grants based on your academic major. For example, Arthur Burns fellowships are awarded to journalists, while HP offers college grants for technology- focused career paths. Talk to faculty members and career professionals in your chosen field to gain insight into additional awards.
Examine funding opportunities sponsored by your employer or civic organization. Many employers, such as Wal-Mart and Coca-Cola, offer grants to their employees and their dependents. Ask your parents to inquire about these funding opportunities with their supervisors. Make a list of all clubs you belong to including religious and community-based organizations. You may be able to apply for an established grant or even qualify to receive a new award based on your needs.
Apply for minority grants. You may be able to qualify for these awards based on factors such as your race, gender or field of study. Check for race-based grants at organizations, such as the United Negro College Fund and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund. Look into gender-based grant opportunities at organizations, such as The Jeannette Rankin Foundation. Minority grants are also available for those students seeking careers or educational opportunities that fall outside of traditional stereotypes. For example, male nurses and female pilots may be able to receive these types of grants. White students seeking enrollment at historically black colleges and institutions should also look into available grants.