Educational foundation grants are monies provided as gifts to qualifying individuals or groups given by some foundation. Grant recipients vary, and may include students and teachers as well as schools and colleges to advance programs and curriculum. Foundation grants may be used to support students of elementary school-level through college age, and are often directed at low-income areas.
In developed nations, local governments often provide a percentage of funding for education from elementary grads through college, but the budgets in low-income areas are especially limited. During challenging economic times, even flourishing regions can experience declines in revenues, which can eat into financial support for schools. Foundations can to fill the gap in education funding with grants.
Foundations are non-government agencies that are not run for profit. These organizations raise funding from individuals, companies, or wealthy families. Some of the largest companies in the world create foundations and may receive contributions from employees. These organizations routinely contribute to schools with teacher training programs or individual gifts in the regions where it does business. Top executives sometimes choose to form a foundation separate from the company, and often use their influence to raise funds for education.
Educational foundation grants may be used in a variety of ways, including to foster the development of essential programs for low-income or disabled students. Donations may even go towards basic school supplies. Students and teachers may receive cash awards personally, or literacy grants can be distributed to schools and colleges. All educational foundation grants are designed to embolden the teaching and learning process.
The direction of educational grant funds is decided by the foundation. Some grants are specifically formed to strengthen math and science programs in low-income schools, for example, and donations may go towards creating a computer laboratory. Other grants might be earmarked towards creative programs, such as the arts and culture. Educational foundation grants might be applied towards lifting academic standards, such as enhancing foreign language programs, thereby creating more of a level playing field for students once they enter the workforce in competitive and global economies.
Educational foundation grants can have an impact on individuals, families, schools, and entire communities. These gifts are intended to create a richer educational experience where opportunities might otherwise not be available. The impact might not only be an enriched educational experience for educators and students, but might even help stem the dropout rate at schools and colleges in some areas.