Foundation for Financial Planning Grant Program

The Foundation for Financial Planning is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to pro bono financial planning services for underserved populations across the United States. Through its grantmaking program, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations that connect volunteer financial planners, particularly Certified Financial Planner professionals, with individuals and families in need of financial guidance. The foundation has distributed nearly $11 million in grants to date, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to strengthening financial stability and capability among vulnerable populations. The primary purpose of this grant program is to fund nonprofit initiatives that provide personalized financial planning services to underserved individuals who would not otherwise have access to professional financial advice. These programs must incorporate direct, one-on-one engagement between volunteer financial planners and clients, ensuring tailored guidance that addresses specific financial challenges. The foundation prioritizes programs that are scalable, replicable, and sustainable, and that demonstrate meaningful impact in improving financial outcomes for participants. Funding is available for a range of program types, including established ongoing initiatives, new program development, and the addition of financial planning components to existing services. Supported activities may include one-time counseling sessions or longer-term coaching relationships between volunteers and clients. Programs must actively engage Certified Financial Planner professionals as volunteers, either through partnerships with financial planning firms, professional associations, or through platforms such as ProBonoPlannerMatch.org. While no explicit restrictions on use of funds are detailed, the focus is clearly on programmatic activities that deliver direct financial planning services. Eligibility is limited to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status that align with the foundation’s mission of serving underserved communities. The foundation has historically funded programs serving diverse populations, including military personnel and veterans, individuals with serious illnesses, seniors, caregivers, survivors of domestic violence, and low-income families. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to deliver ethical, high-quality financial planning services to these populations through structured volunteer engagement. Applications must be submitted through the foundation’s designated online application portal, specifically via the Common Grant system. Organizations are required to create an applicant account, select the Foundation for Financial Planning as the grant maker, and complete the Annual Grant Application. Supporting materials and responses to application questions are submitted through this platform. The foundation also provides instructional resources, including a video guide, to assist applicants in navigating the process. The application cycle typically opens in mid-January and closes on April 30 each year. All submissions are reviewed by the foundation’s Grants Committee, which includes independent financial planners and industry leaders. Funding decisions are made following this review process, and approved applicants begin receiving funding in January of the following calendar year. Additionally, all applicants are automatically considered for the Alexandra Armstrong Innovation Grant, an annual award recognizing exceptional creativity and impact potential, with no separate application required. For further inquiries, applicants may contact the foundation via email or phone, with responses generally provided within 48 hours.

Emphasize strong volunteer engagement with CFP professionals, demonstrate measurable impact on underserved populations, and highlight scalability and sustainability of the program