General Grant Program

Geographic Scope: United States

Focus Areas: Research that helps ensure people in the United States have the knowledge, skills and tools to make sound financial decisions throughout life.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants:

• IRS-designated 501(c)(3) organizations
• State and other public colleges and universities

Ineligible Applicants:

• Individuals
• Organizations affiliated with a current director, officer or staff member of the FINRA Foundation
• Organizations affiliated with any person involved in the review or approval of grants
• Organizations affiliated with a current member of the FINRA Board of Governors
• Securities firms regulated by FINRA
• Organizations affiliated with a securities firm or individual regulated by FINRA (such as foundations established by securities firms)
• Securities regulators, self-regulatory organizations or securities industry trade associations
• Organizations that are "disqualified persons" pursuant to Article III, Section 3(d) of FINRA By-Laws
• Organizations that discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status

What the Foundation Will NOT Fund

• International programs or projects
• Projects that are local in nature and scope
• Expenses not directly related to the project
• Salaries of permanent staff (modest release time for university professors acceptable)
• Capital costs (building, construction) or equipment (computer hardware, office furniture)
• Pass-through funding to proprietary organizations or consultants
• Projects with potential conflicts of interest
• Conferences and similar activities that fail to provide long-term solutions or broad outreach
• Distribution methodologies requiring ongoing maintenance without sustainable funding
• Projects with proprietary elements, for-profit activities, or use of copyrighted/trademarked materials
• Lobbying, political contributions, fund-raising events or activities to influence legislation
• Donations, endowments, challenge grants, matching funds
• Direct or matching payments to members of the public (scholarships, personal assistance, registration fees)

Grant Details

Award Amount: Most grants approved are under $100,000. The Foundation reviews applications requesting approximately $50,000–$100,000.

Indirect Costs: Must not exceed 10% of direct costs

Grant Duration: Most grants are completed within 24 months

Fund Distribution: Award is contingent upon successful negotiation of grant agreement. Funds awarded in installments contingent upon performance and actual expenses, not to exceed grant amount.

Contact Information

• Laura Rowell
• Robert Ganem

Application Process

1. Submit Project Concept Form - This is the first step in applying for a FINRA Foundation grant
2. Await Response - The Foundation will respond within one month of receipt
3. Invitation to Full Proposal (if applicable) - Certain applicants may be invited to submit a full grant proposal
4. Submit Full Proposal - Applicants invited to prepare a full proposal will receive submission instructions
5. Grant Decision - The entire decision-making process from Project Concept Form submission to funding notification takes several months
6. Grant Agreement Negotiation - Award of funding is contingent upon successful negotiation of a grant agreement within a reasonable time
7. Fund Disbursement - After grant agreement is executed, funds are awarded in installments

Note: A request to submit a grant proposal does not guarantee that a grant will be awarded. Applications are subject to evaluation by the FINRA Foundation's Board of Directors.

Timing

• The FINRA Foundation accepts Project Concept Forms at any time
• Response to Project Concept Form within one month of receipt
• Full decision-making process takes several months