Grants and other aid

Grants for African American Women

Grants are money you generally don't repay. The biggest sources are federal Pell Grants, state grants and your college's own aid, plus employer tuition help if you work.

Federal Pell Grant

For undergraduates with exceptional financial need who haven't earned a bachelor's degree. The maximum is $7,395 for 2026-27 (July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027). The amount depends on your Student Aid Index, cost of attendance and enrollment.

A Pell Grant doesn't have to be repaid except in certain circumstances, and you can receive it for up to 12 full-time terms (roughly six years). You apply by filing the FAFSA every year. Federal Student Aid

State grants

Most states run their own need-based or merit grants, and many use your FAFSA to decide. Deadlines can be earlier than federal ones. Check your state's higher education agency and your college's aid office for the programs in your state.

College grants

Colleges often give their own grants based on need or merit. They appear in your financial aid offer. If your family's situation has changed, ask the aid office how to request a review.

Employer tuition help

If you work, ask HR about tuition assistance. Up to $5,250 a year of employer educational assistance can be excluded from your income, and the IRS says this now also covers qualifying student loan payments. Congress made that rule permanent for payments after 2025. IRS Publication 15-B

Grant-style scholarships

Smaller awards that work like grants

Some foundations offer need-based awards that work like grants. On our verified list, the AKA Educational Advancement Foundation's Thrive awards (up to $1,000) and financial need scholarships are open to students regardless of race or sorority membership, and the Zeta National Educational Foundation's general scholarships need no membership.

Any majorGraduate

AKA Educational Advancement Foundation Scholarships

Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Foundation

Eligibility today: Open to all: the foundation supports students without regard to sex, race or other traits. Sorority membership isn't required for its main programs.

Who can apply: Full-time undergraduates (sophomore or above) and full-time graduate students at accredited schools. Minimum GPA is 3.0 for merit awards and 2.5 for need-based, Thrive and Launch awards. Most programs also ask for community service.
Award: Thrive awards go up to $1,000; other amounts aren't listed. Most are one-time awards (per the sponsor's site as of Nov 2026).
Timing: Thrive closes in March; undergraduate awards in April; graduate awards in August.

Verified Nov 7, 2026Official page

High school seniorsAny major

Zeta National Educational Foundation Scholarships

Zeta National Educational Foundation (Zeta Phi Beta)

Eligibility today: Given without regard to race, sex or other traits. Eleven general awards need no sorority membership; five are for members only.

Who can apply: High school seniors and college students for the general awards. The Chairman's Scholarship is for a female high school student.
Award: The Chairman's Scholarship covers educational costs up to $150,000; other amounts aren't listed. Most awards are one-time (per the sponsor's site as of Nov 2026).
Timing: The scholarships page doesn't show a deadline; check the foundation's AwardSpring portal.

Verified Nov 7, 2026Official page

Business grants

What changed for grants to Black women business owners

In September 2024, Fearless Fund settled a lawsuit by closing its grant contest for Black women business owners, after a federal appeals court ruled the program was likely discriminatory under a Civil War-era law. WABE If you're looking for business funding, read the current eligibility of any program carefully, because several have changed.

Be wary of anyone offering "free government grant money" for a fee. The FTC warns that legitimate programs don't charge you to apply or claim an award. FTC

Real scholarships never charge you to apply

The FTC's warning signs for scholarship and grant scams:

An application, "processing" or "redemption" fee
A guarantee that you'll win, or a money-back promise
"You've been selected" for an award you never applied for
A request for your bank or card number to "hold" an award
Paying someone to fill out the FAFSA, which is free

FTC: How To Avoid Scholarship and Financial Aid Scams. Report scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Ready to apply for scholarships too?

Thirteen awards, each checked on the sponsor's site.

See the verified list

Questions

Questions students ask

Are there grants just for African American women?

Most education grants, like Pell and state grants, are based on financial need rather than race or gender. Some private programs were limited to Black women, but several have changed eligibility after lawsuits, so check each program's current rules.

How much is the Pell Grant for 2026-27?

The maximum Federal Pell Grant is $7,395 for the 2026-27 award year. Your amount depends on your Student Aid Index, your school's cost of attendance and whether you study full time.

Are grants and scholarships taxable?

The IRS says scholarships and grants are generally tax-free when you're a degree candidate and the money pays for tuition, fees, and required books, supplies and equipment. Amounts used for room, board or travel are taxable.