Grants to Individuals

Frequently asked questions

 

 

 

How often can I apply?
You can make one application in each academic year provided that you continue to meet our eligibility criteria.

Do I have to be doing a certain type of course?
Yes. You must be studying a course that will result in a recognised qualification and be attending a state run school, college or university. Eligible courses include GCSEs, AS or A2 Levels, BTECs, GNVQs, HNDs, HNCs, Foundation and Degree level courses. We can also help those that are starting work and need to buy tools and equipment.

When are decision meetings held?
The Governors meet four times a year to consider applications. Meetings are usually held in March, June, October and December. When you submit your application we will write and acknowledge it and tell you at which meeting your application will be considered. We will write to you as soon as possible after the meeting to let you know the outcome.

I have already received a grant. Can I reapply?
Yes, but you can only make one application each academic year.

What do you look for in an application?
Governors expect you to have already explored what other support you might be entitled to, for example, student loans and EMA payments. You must also apply to your school, college or university access to learning fund or learner support fund before making an application to the Foundation.
Priority is given to applicants who are in paid employment or undertake regular voluntary work, unless there is a good reason for you not working. For example, you have caring or childcare responsibilities or you are in the final year of your course. Please make sure you tell us about your individual circumstances.

What should I send with my application?
You will need to fully complete an application form making sure you answer every question and remember to sign both the declaration and data protection form. You will need to send it to us together with copies of all the documents that we ask you for. These are listed on the checklist in the application form but include proof of your income and proof of your address.
Please do not send us original supporting documents.

When will I find out if I have been successful?
The Governors meet four times a year. We will write to you as soon as possible after the meeting to let you know the outcome.

I am starting work but need to buy tools and equipment, can you help?
If you are in the middle of a training apprenticeship we may be able to help you buy some of the essential equipment and tools that you need for your trade. For example, if you are training to be a chef we can help you to buy knives or you may be training as a gardener and need to buy essential tools such as secateurs and spades.

I am post graduate student. Can I apply?
We can only fund essential post graduate courses. Please see the section on post graduate study for further information.

Does my university or college run a partnership fund?
The Foundation runs partnership funds with several institutions. If you are studying at one of the universities or colleges listed, please contact your student advisor to discuss making an application. We are currently working with:
• University of the Arts London
• Birkbeck
• City and Islington College
• Westminster Kingsway College
• City University

Can you help me buy school uniform?
No, unfortunately we no longer make grants towards the cost of school uniform.

How much can I apply for?
Our maximum award is normally £1,000, but most awards are less than this. All awards are made according to your individual circumstances.

I am over 25. Can I apply?
If there are exceptional reasons as to why you have returned to education we may be able to help you as long as you have not turned 41. Please tell us why you have started studying again. It may be because you left school without any qualifications, are recovering from substance misuse or are a refugee and your qualifications are not recognised in the UK.