The following organisations can provide help and advice to students on funding for courses.
Open 4 Learning provides information on statutory grants, loans, awards and benefits from European, national, regional and local sources for learners across the whole of the UK.
Funderfinder www.funderfinder.org.uk and Grantfinder www.grantfinder.co.uk provide information on grants.
Educational Grants Advisory Service www.family-action.org.uk/ offers a range of services providing information on funding for those in post-16 education in England.
Grant making directories: The Educational Grants Directory, The Directory of Grant Making Trusts, The Charities Digest and The Grants Register are available in the Public Libraries and Nottingham Voluntary Action Centre, 7 Mansfield Road, Nottingham and may provide useful sources of funding.
Career Development Loans: These are deferred payment loans available through commercial banks designed to help pay for vocational education and learning. Contact 0800 585 505.
Adult Learning Grant: This is a weekly grant for adults studying for more than 12 hours a week.
Educational Maintenance Allowance: This is a weekly fund for 16-19 year old students. Visit www.direct.gov.uk and select ‘Education and Learning’ for further information.
Childcare: If you have children there may be help available for childcare costs. Care to Learn is a fund for parents under 20 in education. Discretionary support funds at local colleges may also be able to help with childcare costs. Childcare Grants can help with childcare if you are in Higher Education. The Free Childcare for Training and Learning at Work Scheme can help if you are from a low income household. Visit www.direct.gov.uk and select ‘Education and Learning’ or to speak to someone about Care to Learn, by calling 0800 121 8989.
Further advice on funding and finance opportunities is available at www.fundingcentral.org.uk
