FINRA Investor Education Foundation's General Grant Program

The FINRA Investor Education Foundation administers the General Grant Program to support research initiatives that enhance financial capability among individuals in the United States. As a private foundation affiliated with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, the organization focuses on improving financial literacy and decision-making skills across diverse populations. The program is designed to fund evidence-based research that contributes to a broader understanding of how individuals can better manage their financial lives, with an emphasis on long-term impact and practical application. The primary purpose of the General Grant Program is to generate insights and tools that help individuals make informed financial decisions throughout their lives. Funded projects are expected to address key issues in financial education, behavioral finance, and consumer financial protection. The Foundation prioritizes research that can be scaled or applied broadly, rather than localized or narrowly focused initiatives. Projects must demonstrate a clear connection between the proposed research and its potential to improve financial knowledge, skills, or behaviors among U.S. populations. Funding under this program typically ranges from approximately 50000 to 100000 dollars per award. The Foundation imposes strict limitations on allowable expenses, emphasizing that funds must be directly tied to the proposed project. Indirect costs are capped at 10 percent of direct costs. The Foundation explicitly excludes funding for capital expenses, general operational costs such as permanent staff salaries, political or lobbying activities, and pass-through funding arrangements. Additionally, projects with proprietary components or those requiring ongoing maintenance without sustainable funding are generally not supported. Eligibility for the program is restricted to IRS-designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations as well as state and public colleges and universities. The Foundation outlines a comprehensive list of ineligible entities, including individuals, securities firms regulated by FINRA, organizations affiliated with FINRA leadership or board members, and entities involved in grant review processes. Organizations that engage in discriminatory practices or fall under disqualified categories as defined by FINRA bylaws are also excluded. The program further discourages proposals that are international in scope or limited to highly localized impact. The application process begins with the submission of a Project Concept Form, which serves as an initial screening mechanism. Only selected applicants are invited to submit a full grant proposal. This two-step process ensures that only proposals aligned with the Foundation’s priorities proceed to full review. The Foundation evaluates proposals based on their relevance, methodological rigor, and potential for meaningful impact. All final funding decisions are made by the Foundation’s Board of Directors, and an invitation to submit a full proposal does not guarantee funding. The program operates on a rolling basis, accepting Project Concept Forms at any time throughout the year. Applicants typically receive a response within one month of submission, indicating whether they are invited to proceed. The full decision-making process, from initial concept submission to final funding determination, takes several months. Most funded projects are expected to be completed within a 24-month period, with grant funds distributed in installments contingent upon performance milestones and actual expenses incurred. Applicants may contact designated Foundation representatives for questions, though specific contact details beyond names are not publicly provided.

Strong focus on national scope and long-term financial education impact; avoid local-only or proprietary content.