683 Grants and Non-Merit Scholarships

Grants and Non-Merit Scholarships

As you may already know grants are different from scholarships. When scholarships are usually merit-based or competition-based, grants are usually given to those who has a financial need or grants are directed for a particular area of study or group of people. One type of grants, like an enormous variety of federal grants from highly prestigious organizations like the NIH, the DOE, the NSF, the EPA, and NASA, are given for the schientific researches to groups of scientists working on a particular problem. Other type of grants like the Federal Pell Grant or the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), are awarded based on the student’s demonstrated financial need. These grants typically come from the federal government, state governments and colleges and universities, but may also come from corporations, institutions and foundations.

There are actually just four main types of grant funding. We give descriptions and examples of competitive, formula, continuation, and pass-through grants to give you a basic understanding of funding structures as you do your search for possible sources of financial aid.

Competitive Funding - also known as discretionary funding, competitive funding is a process of proposal selection based on the evaluation of a reviewer or team of reviewers. Funding is based on the merits of the application, and recipients are not pre-determined.

Formula Funding. In contrast to competitive funding, formula grants are given to pre-determined recipients. Non-competitive awards are usually allocated to eligible entities according to population and/or other census criteria, and all applicants who meet the minimum requirements of the application process are entitled to receive money. In many instances, formula funds are distributed from the federal level to states. States then determine the process to be used to award funds to local jurisdictions.

Continuation funding grant programs offer current award recipients the option of renewing grants for the following year. Some programs are restricted to existing grantees only, while others invite applications from current grantees and new applicants. Often, current grantees are awarded extra points during the review process for being a current grant recipient. Since priority is often given to continuing applicants, if you are a new applicant, you should consider entering into a partnership with a currently funded entity.

Pass-Through grants are funds given by the federal government to the states for further distribution to local governments. Under this funding structure, states may disburse federal funds to eligible local jurisdictions through formula allocations or open competitions.

Where are you planning to study?
Financing Type:

Archaeology Legacy Grants in Ireland

Maximum funding of €30,000 per project.Support for advancing Ireland’s archaeological heritage through proper assessment, analysis, and dissemination of research.Contribution to the long-term preservation and accessibility of archaeological knowledge... more details

  •  Grant
  •  15-Oct-2025
  •  Ireland
  • $$  Up to €30,000

University Canada West Nurturing Wisdom Grant 2025

To be considered for the Nurturing Wisdom Grant, you must meet the following requirements: • Be an Indigenous Status holder applying to any UCW Program.... more details

  •  Bachelor, Master
  •  Not Specified
  •  Canada
  • $$  Varies

Università Politecnica delle Marche Grants in Italy

Each selected student will receive a scholarship of €2,000 to support their studies. A total of 40 scholarships will be awarded.... more details

  •  Bachelor
  •  Applications open from 15 July 2025 and close on 17 November 2025 at 100 pm.
  •  Italy
  • $$  €2,000 each

Research Culture and Integrity Ambassador Grants in Austria

Funding of up to €5,000 per project (three projects selected annually).Flexibility in the use of funds, which may cover expert consultations, retreats, workshops, student assistants, teaching activities, or related expenses (in line with university g... more details

  •  Grant
  •  15-Oct-2025
  •  Austria
  • $$  Up to €5,000 per project (three projects funded annually)

ESI Undergraduate Research Grant 2025 (N100,000 Grant)

Eligibility Criteria Must be a STEM undergraduate in a Nigerian University Must be in your final year of study by the application deadline  Undergraduate project commencement must be between September 2025 and February 2026. Second-c... more details

  •  Bachelor
  •  30-Oct-2025
  •  Nigeria
  • $$  Varies

CityU Indigenous Student Tuition Reduction Grant 2025-2026

The grant covers 25% of tuition fees throughout studies at CityU... more details

  •  Bachelor, Master
  •  30-Oct-2025
  •  Canada
  • $$  Varies

The Grooming Centre University Grant Scheme 2025

The applicant must either be a student at the undergraduate or postgraduate level in a Nigerian tertiary institution The student research study should cover any of such areas as financial inclusion, microfinance, rural development, social ent... more details

  •  Bachelor
  •  10-Oct-2025
  •  Nigeria
  • $$  Varies

DAAD Graduation Grant in Germany

Financial assistance for international students to support the successful completion of their studies at TU Braunschweig.Amount and duration vary depending on individual circumstances and available funds.... more details

  •  Bachelor, Master
  •  31-Jul-2026
  •  Nigeria
  • $$  Financial support for graduation phase

Genomics Grant in United Kingdom

Funding of up to £10,000 per project Opportunity to present your work at the BSH Annual Scientific MeetingPotential exposure through BSH communications, including website, bulletins, and social mediaProjects may be used as a foundation for securing ... more details

  •  Grant
  •  01-Dec-2025
  •  United Kingdom
  • $$  Up to £10,000 per grant

I-O Graduate Student Conference Grants, Canada

Funding of up to $1,000 annually to support eligible costs related to conference participation, including travel, lodging, and registration.Academic and professional development through engagement in prestigious conferences.... more details

  •  PhD, Master
  •  01-Dec-2025
  •  Canada
  • $$  Varies (maximum total amount available annually is $1,000)

JFNY Grant for Japanese Studies in United States

Successful applicants will receive: Up to $5,000 in funding.Coverage for honoraria, travel, and accommodation for participants.Support for research materials, printing, online-related costs, and venue/equipment rentals (excluding rentals within the ... more details

  •  Bachelor
  •  Ongoing
  •  United States
  • $$  Up to $5,000

Scholarship Reminder Never miss a Scholarship Opportunity.

First Name
Email

Like our website? ↪ Follow us on Facebook

ACU Gender Grants in UK

Five grants of up to GBP 2,000 eachOpportunity to lead impactful gender-focused initiatives Access to online training and follow-up support for selected projects from the Martha Farrell Foundation, especially those addressing anti-sexual harassment ... more details

  •  Grant
  •  Not Specified
  •  United Kingdom
  • $$  Up to GBP 2,000 per grant

ARC Grant Funded PhD Scholarship in Learning Lessons from Drug Resistance to Tackle Herbicide Resistance, Australia

Annual stipend of $35,300 (2025 rate) for up to 3.5 yearsTax-free (subject to Taxation Office approval)Opportunity to work within a leading-edge laboratory with access to state-of-the-art facilities Development of high-impact skills in biochemistry,... more details

  •  PhD
  •  Open until filled
  •  Australia
  • $$  $35,300 per annum (2025 rate, indexed annually)

More Suggestions: