Grants for Seniors
Grants for seniors range in focus. Some are for the elderly in emergency situations or otherwise hard times. These might cover health care costs and utility fees. Other grants are for mature or "nontraditional" students seeking to go back to college later in life. In either case, these grants are reserved for those with a few years, and host of experience, under their belt.
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Education
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Students returning to, or entering, college after the traditional collegiate age (usually ages 18 to 24) are referred to as "nontraditional" or "mature" students. Seniors are certainly included in this group. Because mature students often have domestic, career and financial responsibilities, number of grant opportunities are offered specifically to mature students.
For instance, Executive Women International offers the Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) Scholarship, which consists of 12 $2,500 awards to nontraditional students.
Women
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Mature women are a specific group who, when returning to school, have particular financial needs. As such, some non-traditional student grants are tailored for women.
The Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation offers grants to female students over the age of 25. Also, Talbots Women's Scholarship Fund focuses its grants on women who finished high school at least 10 years before applying.
Often, individual universities and schools offer scholarships for mature students, male and female. Financial aid offices can provide more information.
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Health
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One of seniors' biggest financial concerns is the cost of health care. Many times, these grants come in the form of help from nonprofit groups. These nonprofit groups are often eligible for grants that may help offset the cost of serving local seniors. For instance, the Retirement Resource Foundation provides grants to organizations that provide health assistance to the elderly.
Utilities
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Another financial obstacle faced by a number of seniors is utility cost. This is especially urgent in the winter and summer months when extreme weather conditions make the home a dangerous place. Utility financial support for seniors often comes in the form of assistance from local agencies. Community Contacts, Inc. provides the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which aides low-income citizens in Illinois with energy bills.
Local
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An important aspect of senior assistance is locality. Many organizations limit their funding to their local area. When looking for grants or scholarships, be sure to look at local corporations and nonprofit organizations. For example, the Mahube Community Council, of Detroit Lakes, Parks Rapids and Mahnomen, Minnesota, focuses its support on seniors and the needy in its areas of operation. Be sure to look to local sources when seeking financial support.
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