News Release
FINRA Foundation
George Smaragdis (202) 728-8988

FINRA Investor Education Foundation Announces 2009 Grant Program

Washington, DC — The FINRA Investor Education Foundation (Foundation) launched its fifth general grant program today, formally inviting non-profit groups and researchers to apply for funding for projects that support its mission of providing Americans with the knowledge, skills and tools necessary for financial success.

The Foundation is interested in funding projects that will reach and actively engage at-risk audiences, such as seniors and first-time investors, by offering them access to unbiased information about the markets and fundamental financial issues.

"The Foundation's mission is to help meet all Americans' financial education needs, and that mission has never been more important than it is today. By funding innovative research into ways to expand the scope and improve the quality of financial education resources, we hope to empower investors, and especially at-risk investors, to secure their own financial futures," said Foundation Chairman Mary L. Schapiro, who also serves as FINRA's CEO.

Of particular interest to the Foundation in 2009 are projects that focus on the following areas:

  • Using behavioral finance to improve saving and investing.
  • Meeting the financial and investor education needs of underserved audiences.
  • New marketing and distribution channels for financial and investor education.
  • Helping Americans manage their finances in retirement.

Organizations interested in applying for a grant should review the Foundation's grant guidelines to determine whether the organization and proposed project meet basic eligibility requirements. Before submitting a full grant proposal, applicants must submit a simple, three-page project concept form. Eligible applicants whose projects closely align with the Foundation's priorities will be invited to submit a full grant proposal. Project concept forms will be accepted at any time during the calendar year. However, submission deadlines correspond to the announcement of grant awards in June and October of 2009. The Foundation has set no minimum or maximum for the number of grants to be funded or for the amounts of the grant awards. In considering grant requests, the merits of the proposed project will be the primary focus. Successful education projects will have measurable impacts and reach large audiences in a cost-effective manner. For research projects, the Foundation is especially interested in work that has practical applications in the financial and investor education field.

The FINRA Investor Education Foundation supports innovative research and educational projects that give underserved Americans the knowledge, skills and tools necessary for financial success throughout life. To date, the FINRA Foundation has approved more than $16 million in grants and an additional $23 million in direct investor education programming. For details about grant programs and other FINRA Foundation initiatives, visit www.finrafoundation.org.

FINRA, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, is the largest non-governmental regulator for all securities firms doing business in the United States. FINRA is dedicated to investor protection and market integrity through effective and efficient regulation. FINRA registers and educates industry participants, examines securities firms; writes and enforces rules and federal securities laws, educates the investing public and provides trade reporting and other industry utilities. FINRA also administers the largest dispute resolution forum for investors and registered firms. For more information, please visit our Web site at www.finra.org.