Through the General Grant Program, the FINRA Investor Education Foundation funds research and educational projects that support its mission of providing underserved Americans with the knowledge, skills and tools necessary for financial success throughout life.
In 2014, the FINRA Foundation welcomes applications for projects of approximately $50,000–$100,000 that advance understanding of the relationships among financial literacy, financial capability and financial well-being. Priority will be given to projects that use data from the National Financial Capability Study (see www.usfinancialcapability.org) and other existing data sets.
The FINRA Foundation accepts Project Concept Forms at any time during the year. The FINRA Foundation will respond to your Project Concept Form within one month of receipt and either decline the request or invite a full proposal.
Of particular interest to the Foundation are projects that:
- Expand the body of knowledge and/or provide practical materials that will have a positive impact on investor education or protection
- Research methods to improve disclosure to investors about investments and financial services
- Encourage investors to check the background of financial professionals prior to doing business with them
- Empower the nation's young people that are about to enter the workforce to better prepare for retirement and to meet other financial goals
- Better prepare older Americans for handling their finances during retirement
- Encourage women and minority populations to take control of their financial future through investor education
- Advance practice, policy, and thought in the fields of investor education and protection
The Foundation will award grants to entities designated as tax-exempt according to Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) and state and other public colleges and universities. The Foundation accepts grant proposals from persons of any race, color, creed, age, sex, disability, and national or ethnic origin.