Scholarships & Philanthropic Programs
Did you know that there are people and companies who have money put aside to help people like you pursue your dreams?
These people and companies are called 'philanthropists' - people who make charitable donations intended to improve people's wellbeing. Some people leave money in their wills when they die. Others prefer to donate it while they (or their companies) are still alive.
What is a Philanthropic Program?
Philanthropic programs or scholarships seek to give someone with a disadvantaged background or someone with particular skills or talents the chance to better themselves and contribute positively to society.
This is usually done by providing money to cover the costs of education and training. Some programs and scholarships also extend to paying for your living costs such as rent, utilities and food.
Philanthropic programs and scholarships are not just limited to help you to excel in a particular area of your life. There are also philanthropic programs designed to help you to help serve the community better by providing you with a grant to start or continue a program or activitiy that benefits your community in some way.
Who Are Scholarships and Grants For?
People who receive scholarships and philanthropic grants are usually people who:
- Have some kind of exceptional skill
- Have a viable plan for a community service
- Come from a disadvantaged background
The good news is that to win a scholarship or win a place in a philanthropic program, you don't necessarily have to be a super brain at school or university!
There are scholarships and philanthropic programs around for people who are good at sports, drama, dance, singing, music, art, science, or people who want to get into teaching or help their local community.
Don't listen to that negative dialogue in your head saying that you won't win a scholarship. If you're passionate about sport, study, the arts or helping your community, go ahead and find a suitable program or scholarship to apply for now! What have you got to lose?
Where Can I Find a Scholarship or Philanthropic Program?
Your school or university would be the best place to start. Many advertise their available scholarships. Check with your university or TAFE's student administration, search their website or look in your student diary - scholarships are usually listed there.
The My Future (new window) website provides a huge and comprehensive list of scholarships available to young Australians. There are hundreds of opportunities listed here. There are a number of ways to search for scholarship information on this site. You can:
- Browse different regions to find only scholarships in Victoria
- View an A-Z listing
- Search directly for a particular organisation
- Check out the range of subjects, from music and psychology to geology and poetry
The Philanthropy Australia website (new window) also has some great information and a comprehensive list of grant programs for individuals and businesses.
It might also be worth looking at the Community Grants (new window) offered by the Victorian Government's Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD), or the Federal Government's Grantslink Program (new window).
You should also check out the links below for some other sites that list scholarships and philanthropic programs in Victoria and Australia.
How Do I Apply?
Each scholarship application will be different. When you find a scholarship fund that you are eligible for, make sure you take careful note of the application requirements and submission dates.
Check out our Tips for Writing Grant Applications page for some advice on what to keep in mind when putting an application together.
Links
Department of Planning and Community Development - Grants
The Department of Planning and Community Development offers a range of grants to community organisations big and small. Use the Find a Grant tool to see what kind of grant's you're eligible for, and check out some of the success stories about grants and how they've helped Victorian Communities.
My Future - Awards and Scholarships
Provides a very detailed listing of a wide range of scholarships on offer covering a variety of interests and selection criteria.
Grantslink
Directory of government grants and assistance for individuals, businesses and communities.
Philanthropy Australia
For grantseekers and grantmakers, this site's got a very comprehensive list of philanthropic programs available in Australia.
Australian Institute of Sport - Scholarships
If you're really good at a particular sport, you should try for a scholarship at the Australian Institute of Sport!
Association of Commonwealth Universities
Details a variety of scholarships available to university students in Commonwealth countries (including Australia).
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