If you’re involved in a nonprofit organization and need funding for travel, chances are there’s a grant that will help pay for your trip. Of, if you just want to see the world, hooking up with a nonprofit or non-governmental organization may better your chances of landing a travel grant. The possibilities are vast, but start your research with some of the most well known and generous grants, then sort through comprehensive databases to help you search for grants off the beaten path.
Fulbright Program
Perhaps the most well-known of all educational travel grants in the United States, the Fulbright will fund an academic year of independent research or philanthropic work abroad. Students and young professionals with a worthy, well-articulated cause can apply for the grant.
International Institute of Education, Fulbright 809 United Nations Plaza New York, NY 10017-3580 212-984-5330 us.fulbrightonline.org
Commonwealth Foundation
The Commonwealth Foundation approves grants for anyone involved in a non-profit in a commonwealth country who can prove that they need the money to further a good cause. The foundation encourages travel to spread cultural exchange.
Commonwealth Foundation Marlborough House Pall Mall London SW1Y 5HY United Kingdom +44 (0)20 7930 3783 commonwealthfoundation.com
Peace Corps
Perhaps the ultimate non-profit travel experience, the PeaceCorps funds two years of philanthropic work at a destination abroad. Volunteers are given room and board, as well as a stipend at the end of their service.
Peace Corps 800-424-8580 peacecorps.gov
World Habitat Awards
A creation of the Building and Social Housing Foundation, the World Habitat Awards annually recognizes two people, projects or organizations that present an innovative and effective way to solve housing and shelter problems. They also fund the International Study Visit, where applicants can win a trip abroad to attend a workshop on global housing practices.
World Habitat Awards Building and Social Housing Foundation Memorial Square Coalville Leicestershire LE67 3TU United Kingdom +44 (0)1530 510444 worldhabitatawards.org
American Youth Leadership Program
The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs will launch an exchange program in 2011 for high school students and teachers to visit non-profits abroad. Participants will be granted three-to-four week trips to host countries.
U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs 202-663-1225 exchanges.state.gov
References
Resources
Writer Bio
A freelance writer and editor based in Nepal, Nina Wegner has been writing professionally since 2004. Her work has been published in "The Christian Science Monitor," "The Syracuse Post-Standard," "The Good Life Magazine," and The Owl Mag website. Wegner earned a Master of Arts in journalism at Syracuse University.