How to Find Grants for Study Abroad Programs Nonprofits: A Practical Guide

Quick Stats

Approximately 325,000 U.S. students studied abroad in the 2018-2019 academic year, illustrating a growing demand for study abroad programs.

Only 10% of U.S. college students study abroad, highlighting a significant opportunity for expanding access through funding.

Federal and private grants for study abroad programs have increased by over 20% in the last five years, reflecting a positive trend in investment.

Grant Types

1. Federal Grants: Programs like the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship offer need-based grants to U.S. citizen undergraduate students.
2. Private Foundation Grants: Organizations like the Institute of International Education provide grants to nonprofits aimed at increasing access and diversity in study abroad.
3. Institutional Grants: Many universities offer their own funding opportunities for student study abroad initiatives that nonprofits can leverage.
4. Corporate Sponsorships: Some corporations provide funding for specific projects or scholarships, particularly those that align with their social responsibility goals.
5. International Development Grants: Funds aimed at improving global education landscapes can support initiatives that promote cultural exchange.

Finding Grants

1. Define Your Goals: Before looking for grants, understand your program's needs, target demographics, and specific expenses.
2. Utilize Zeffy's AI Grant Research Tool: This free tool allows for unlimited searches and AI-powered matching to find grants that perfectly align with your nonprofit's mission. Here's how to get started:
• Register on the Zeffy website and create a profile.
• Input your nonprofit's details and funding needs.
• Explore the matched grants and filter by amount, eligibility, and deadlines.
3. Explore Other Resources: Complement Zeffy with these additional sources:
• Grants.gov: For federal funding opportunities.
• Foundation Directory Online: To identify private foundations that fund international education.
• Local Community Foundations: Often have specific grants for local nonprofits involved in education.

Expert Tips

1. Network Actively: Attend conferences and workshops focused on international education to build relationships with funders.
2. Craft a Compelling Narrative: Use storytelling to present your mission and impact clearly. Highlight student success stories and transformative experiences.
3. Tailor Your Proposals: Customize each grant application to align with funder priorities. Generic applications are less effective.
4. Leverage Partnerships: Collaborate with colleges or cultural organizations that can add value to your program and expand your funding base.
5. Stay Organized: Use spreadsheets or database software to track grant opportunities, deadlines, and application statuses.
6. Follow Up: After submitting applications, don't hesitate to follow up with funders to express gratitude and show your commitment to their interests.
7. Document Your Impact: Keep detailed records of your program's outcomes and learning experiences to strengthen future proposals.

Next Steps

Now that you're equipped with strategies to find grants for your study abroad program, it's time to put them into action!

Start by using Zeffy's AI Grant Research Tool today to explore grant options tailored to your unique nonprofit needs. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your funding search with free and unlimited access.

For further assistance, check out additional resources such as:

• National Association of Foreign Student Advisers (NAFSA): Offers networking and training opportunities.
• Study Abroad Association: Provides information and tools for professionals in the field.
• Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE): Access scholarship information and funding resources.