Back to school (BTS) is in full swing. How will you fund BTS next year? Now is the time for many families across the Philadelphia area to begin evaluating the best possible financial options and finding ways to offset expensive college and private school costs. Luckily, the Regional Foundation Center (RFC) at the Free Library of Philadelphia is here to guide you toward some wonderful (and free) funding resources!

The RFC, located at Parkway Central Library, is known for its commitment to assisting non-profit organizations throughout Philadelphia. Unknown to many people is that the Regional Foundation Center is also a great resource for helping students find individual grants, scholarships, and fellowships to apply toward their education. A number of useful databases provided by this department, in addition to relevant literature and professional library staff, are available to assist community members with furthering their education. Scholarship opportunities are available from early education all the way through post-grads (even post-PhDs!) who are still looking for their first jobs.

Parents and students who are able to visit the Regional Foundation Center in person (see operating hours here) can receive up to two hours of uninterrupted computer searching time, in addition to receiving professional guidance on how to use databases and research online and print resources. If you can’t make it in to visit the Regional Foundation Center, don’t worry—many of the resources are available from home! Visit the Regional Foundation Center’s webpages to explore a wealth of great information, including links to Michigan State University’s “Grants for Individuals” and other great websites. Additionally, the "Grant Select" database is accessible from home, and "Grants to Individuals" is available at any Free Library of Philadelphia location!

There’s no time like the present to begin planning, so visit Parkway Central or contact the Regional Foundation Center to begin your search!