Grants for Religion Students
The Spirit of Giving
Religion in the modern world often seems pushed to the back burner with fewer and fewer college bound students interested in religion or theology. Many students are focused on more mainstream and practical fields of study.
Religion majors may find their needs are fulfilled once their undergraduate degree is earned.
Many students who earn an undergraduate degree in religion may choose to pursue a different discipline for a Masters degree. Most religious advisors would suggest that a religion undergraduate degree interfaces nicely with other major courses of study. The world is best explored in light of world religions and beliefs, believe some.
Associated disciplines may include English and literature, psychology, sociology, anthropology, theology and the arts.
Federal Grants
The Pell Grants are designed to offer only the lowest income students free grant money from the federal government. Any type of student researching grant money for college should not ignore the Pell Grants.
Colleges and Universities
Colleges and universities with religion or theology degree programs will most likely offer general grants and scholarships available to all degree-seeking students. For example, Lynchburg College in Virginia is a small liberal arts college with a reputable religion program provides eight different scholarships and grants for their students, all of which are merit-based ranging from $3,000 to $12,000.
Explore your college scholarship and grant programs and ask financial aid advisors when you are applying for any information on subject-specific programs or general grants.
Churches and Private Organizations
Perhaps the most prolific source of college grants for religion students is through churches and private organizations. Churches wish to continue nurturing their communities and developing future generations of church leaders:
- National Ministries of the American Baptist Church awards grants to support the development of Baptist ministers and church support personnel. Undergraduate and graduate students may apply for assistance.
- The Lilly Foundation, an adjunct of the Eli Lilly family, funds the Louisville Institute in Kentucky. The Institute, located at Louisville Presbyterian Seminary, supports various student and pastoral study and research programs via generous funding:
- The Dissertation Fellowship is for doctoral students engaged in a religion degree program.
- First Book Grant Program is offered to minority students. Students who are interested in working on a large research project may be eligible for nearly $50,000 in grant money each academic year. The research topic must be related to Christian studies and of interest to the Louisville Institute.
- Summer Stipend program awards a few thousand dollars to religion students who can help with research during their summer vacation.
- National Presbyterian College Scholarship sponsored by the Presbyterian Church Grant Program if offered to undergraduate students on a merit and need-based level. Students must be attending a Presbyterian-approved college to qualify.
