Finra Foundation: General Grant Program

From Finra Investor Education Foundation

The FINRA Investor Education Foundation is dedicated to empowering underserved Americans by providing them with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary for making sound financial decisions throughout life. The Foundation prioritizes financial education and literacy, aiming to advance understanding and address financial inequities across diverse social groups.

Type of Support

Overview

The General Grant Program supports research and educational projects that focus on improving financial literacy, capability, and well-being among underserved populations in the U.S. It particularly seeks projects that leverage the National Financial Capability Study data to explore the dynamics of financial literacy and its impact on financial health. Projects that promote financial inclusion and tackle systemic financial inequalities are given priority, covering issues related to race, ethnicity, gender, disability status, and more. Grant amounts are generally under $100,000, with indirect costs capped at 10% of direct expenditures, and most projects are expected to be completed within 24 months. The program is interested in educational initiatives, research efforts, or a combination of both that can significantly enhance financial capability, investor education, and protection. Among its focal areas are improving disclosures to investors, checking the backgrounds of financial professionals, and preparing both young and older Americans for their financial future with particular attention to empowering women and minority populations.

Eligibility

Organization's Location

USA

Program Location

USA

Organization Type

Organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status

State colleges

Public universities

Other

Persons of any race, color, creed, age, sex, disability, and national or ethnic origin are eligible
Indirect costs or overhead must not exceed 10% of direct costs

Ineligibility

Ineligible to apply for a grant: 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 or the organization that employs such a person

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 a foundation established by a securities firm

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

Proposals for international programs or projects

Projects that are local in nature and scope

Expenses not directly related to the project for which funding is sought

Salaries of permanent staff

Capital costs or equipment

Pass-through funding

Projects with a potential conflict of interest

Conferences and similar activities without long-term solutions or broad outreach

Projects requiring maintenance without ongoing funding

Projects with proprietary elements, copyrighted or trademarked materials, or proprietary research

Lobbying, political contributions, fund-raising events or similar activities

Donations, endowments, challenge grants, matching funds, and similar programs

Direct or matching payments to members of the public.

50k – 100k

Application deadline

Rolling

Submission

Review Criteria

The Foundation is particularly interested in receiving proposals for research initiatives valued between $50,000 and $100,000. These projects should primarily utilize data from the National Financial Capability Study (along with other established data sets) to explore the connections between financial literacy, financial capability, and financial well-being. Moreover, high priority is given to research that promotes financial inclusion and tackles systemic financial disparities rooted in race, ethnicity, gender, disability status, and various social distinctions.