Black Heart Scholars Programme
Funding Amount
Varies
Deadline
August 23, 2026
137 days left
Grant Type
foundation
Overview
Black Heart Scholars Programme
Organization: Black Heart Foundation (UK charity, Charity Number 1136813; US registered EIN 98-0670335)
Overview: The Black Heart Scholarship Programme, launched in 2013, provides gap-funding for young people from under-resourced and under-represented groups who would otherwise not be able to achieve their ambitions or potential through further or higher education.
- Primary Goal: Remove barriers to aspiration and achievement for young people
- Focus Areas: Educational access, learning, aspiration and achievement for under-resourced people from under-represented communities
- Impact: As of May 2022, over 500 scholarships awarded; 75% of scholars come from black and ethnic minority backgrounds; 66% identify as female; over £7.5 million in grants, awards and scholarships allocated
Mission & Focus
- Openness: Open to all who are hardworking, under-resourced and have ambition
- Age: No age limit
- Education Levels: All stages from preparatory education to postgraduate schooling
- Course Types: University, vocational, and non-traditional courses eligible
- Course Format: Formal (classroom/school) or experiential education (field/community)
- Geographic Scope: Primarily UK and US, but open to considering work in other education resource-limited geographies
- Holistic Review: All applications reviewed individually on merit
Eligibility Criteria
- Gap Funding: Primary aim is to provide gap funding (difference between what is needed and what applicants already have from other sources)
- Individual Assessment: Funding amount assessed individually based on educational activity, finances, social circumstances and personal aims
- Flexibility: Applicants apply for what they need; no set award amount
What They Fund
- Opens: Monday 13th April 2026
- Closes: Sunday 23rd August 2026 at 23:59
- Notification: By 31st October 2026
Application Timeline (2026)
Cohort 1:Cohort 2:
Closed Period: Applications NOT accepted between 1st November – 12th April (reapplied to next cohort)
- Email: bhfsp@blackheartfoundation.org
- Postal Address: The Black Heart Scholars Programme, The Black Heart Foundation, PO Box 7789, London W1A 6PW, United Kingdom
- Main Contact: info@blackheartfoundation.org
- Phone/Website: blackheartfoundation.org
Contact Information
- Competitiveness: Highly competitive; not guaranteed
- Success Rate: No specific success rate quoted; assessed on individual merit
- Reapplication: Can reapply one year from date of original unsuccessful application
- Feedback: Individual feedback not provided due to high volume of applications
- Review Frequency: Twice yearly reviews; process longer than some applicants expect
- No Early Review: Applications cannot be reviewed earlier than specified deadlines
Key Notes
How to Apply
Application Process
Preferred Method: Digital application portal at blackheartfoundation.org
Alternative Methods: Traditional application form (downloadable from website), submitted via:
Required Components
1. Personal Account: Create account on application portal to begin
2. Personal Statement:
- Maximum 1,200 words
- Brief outline of the educational activity for which you seek a scholarship
- Explanation of how the scholarship aligns with the aims of The Black Heart Foundation
- Clear case of financial need
3. Financial Information:
- Complete budget sheet demonstrating financial need
- Documentation of existing grants, bursaries, loans, scholarships
- Details of family support
- Income from work
- Savings information
- If applicable, confirmation of student loans
- Note: Bank statements not required initially; will be requested if needed
- If no other financial applications made, explain why in comments section
4. Completion Requirements:
- All sections must be completed for accurate assessment
- Incomplete applications will not be properly assessed
- Applicants can save drafts and return later
Application Timing Considerations
- Before receiving place: Can apply before official place confirmation, but preferred to know destination as costs vary significantly by location
- If applying early: Complete application based on first choice institution
After Submission
- Receive confirmation email indicating expected timeline for outcome
- Reviews subject to Board availability
- Only successful candidates will be contacted
- Allow 6-month review window per cohort cycle
Focus Areas & Funding Uses
Fields of Work
Categories
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