frequently asked questions
Who is eligible to apply for a College Life Protected grant?
Individuals that work in or attend a postsecondary higher education institution are eligible to apply for a grant. Individuals may re-apply and be considered for future grants, regardless of the status of previous submissions.
How do I apply?
Select the “apply now” button on the navigation bar and follow the prompts to submit a grant application. CLP grants are available for initiatives that align with the following themes.
Research on topics related to mental health, student success, campus safety, student collections, etc. Please see the “research we support” section to learn more about the research we prioritize for funding.
Individuals in the higher education community can apply for CLP grants toward professional development opportunities like conferences, industry-specific training institutes, access to academic journals, experiential learning programs, and other forms of professional development.
Programs and Initiatives that Promote Financial Literacy
College Life Protected recognizes that that financial literacy is a critical skill for student success, impacting everything from academic persistence to long-term financial well-being. That’s why we are committed to funding programs and initiatives that equip students with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed financial decisions.
How large are the grants?
The majority of grants issued are for around $1,500. However, the amount can vary based on the strength of the submission, the impact the initiative can have on a college/university community, or how closely the grant submission aligns with College Life Protected’s research priorities and mission.
What does the application period look like?
Grant submissions are accepted on a rolling basis. However, they are reviewed every semester, according to the following schedule.
Fall 2025 Grant Period
December 1st, 2024 - Grant applications go live on the CLP website for the fall 2025 term.
April 1st - Deadline for individuals to apply for grants for the fall 2025 term.
Week of April 7th - Evaluation committee meets to discuss submissions and determine grant recipients.
Week of April 15th - Grant candidates are notified of the committee's decision for the upcoming fall term.
May 1 - Grants are fulfilled in advance of the fall term.
Spring 2026 Grant Period
November 1 - Deadline for individuals to apply for grants for spring 2026 grants.
Week of November 10th - Evaluation committee meets to discuss submissions and determine grant recipients.
Week of November 17th - Grant candidates are notified of the committee's decision for upcoming spring term.
December 1 - Grants are fulfilled in advance of the spring term.
How does the grant evaluation process work?
Once you submit your grant application, the information will be sent to the committee that evaluates the submissions. Decisions are usually made in April and early November. Applicants are notified shortly thereafter.
What’s the catch? Are there any expectations of me if I am offered a grant?
Grant recipients will be asked to submit a 1-2 page blog post/article on the utilization of the funds within 8 months from disbursement. The piece will include how the funds were used and what insights were gained through the utilization of the grant.
Recipients will be asked to post twice on social media, bringing awareness to the CLP grant program.
Recipients will participate in a 30 minute webinar hosted in which the primary goal is educate the public on the grant program and application process. Recipients will share how they were able to use the funds to advance research, their professional development or a financial literacy initiative at their campus.
If you have any additional questions about the College Life Protected grant program, please email walberto@gradguard.com