African American College Grants

African Americans have been the most disadvantaged race in the United States. Because of this, many African Americans still lack the necessary funds to attend an institution of higher learning. To help remedy this situation, there many grants available to any African American in the United States. The most popular and recongizable source is the United Negro College Fund

United Negro College Fund

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) is a Fairfax, Virginia-based American philanthropic organization that fundraises college tuition money for black students and general scholarship funds for 39 historically black colleges and universities. The UNCF was incorporated on April 25, 1944 by Frederick D. Patterson (then president of what is now Tuskegee University), Mary McLeod Bethune, and others.

In 2005, the UNCF supported approximately 65,000 students at over 900 colleges and universities with approximately $113 million in grants and scholarships. About 60% of these students are the first in their families to attend college, and 62% have annual family incomes of less than $25,000. UNCF also administers over 450 named scholarships.

To learn more about UNCF, please visit the United Negro College Fund.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Many historically black colleges and universities also offer financial assistance to potential students in need. You will need to check with the historical black college for the individual grants they offers. For example, Howard University provides a handful of freshman scholarships and grants awarded for academic merit.

Public and Private Organizations Offer Specialized Grant Funds

Another great sources for Grant and Scholarship money for Minority students are Public and Private organizations. Some of the more recongizable organizations that offer grants are:

• The National Black Nurses Association supports the professional and educational interests of African American nurses. The organization offers several grants, scholarships and internshipss for nurses enrolled in four-year nursing programs. The grant awards range between $500 and $2,000.

• The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants is the national, professional organization for all Certified Public Accountants. They provide grants and scholarship for minority students who are enrolled in a full-time undergraduate degree program in accounting or finance. The grants/scholarships are $1000 and are awarded based on both financial need and academic merit.

• The American Psychological Association offers grants, scholarships and minority fellowship programs. The scholarships and grants are for $1500 and are for minority students enrolled in graduate level psychology programs.

Another great sources of grants are large corporations like Xerox, AT&T and Coca-Cola.

Federal and State Grant Funds

Last but certain not least, are Federal and State Grants. These have been put in place since the 1960's to assist minorities and disadvantaged students. These programs consist of the Federal Pell Grant and the .