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Supporting Education: The Foresters Educational Award Grant

In a world where the cost of education is on the rise, supporting students through the financial hurdles of college and university life has never been more important. At Foresters Friendly Society, we recognise this challenge and have committed ourselves to providing assistance through our discretionary Educational Award Grant. From 2022 to 2024, we have proudly distributed a remarkable total of £268,400 in discretionary grants to our members pursuing higher education.

Empowering Students to Succeed

The Educational Award Grant is designed to alleviate some of the financial pressure students face, allowing them to focus more on their studies and extracurricular activities rather than worrying about how to cover costs. Each year, we provide up to £300 to members aged 16 and over, contributing to expenses such as textbooks, travel, and living costs.

Our grants are not just about financial assistance; they are about enriching the educational experience and allowing students to participate fully in student life.

Real Impact: A Testimony

One of the many beneficiaries of the Educational Award Grant is Lloyd from Orpington, who shared his experience with us:

“The grant from the Foresters Educational Award will mainly go towards paying for my sport society memberships, as I am in my second year at university and everything is so expensive!! I have only just received confirmation that I will receive it, but it will allow me to pay for my 2 football team memberships.”

Lloyds’ story is just one of many that highlight how our discretionary grants are making a difference in the lives of students across the UK. By providing the necessary financial support, we help empower our members to engage in all aspects of student life, from academics to sports and social activities.

The Importance of Supporting Education

Today, education is not just about lectures and exams; it’s about networking, joining clubs, and developing new skills through extracurricular activities. Unfortunately, the financial burden of tuition, accommodation, and general living expenses can limit students’ ability to participate fully.

With the rising costs of education, as identified in recent statistics, it is estimated that students can spend upwards of £13,000 a year on living costs, with tuition fees potentially exceeding £9,000 per year. Our discretionary Educational Award Grant provides much-needed support to help bridge this gap and ensure that financial constraints do not hinder academic success.

Join Us in Supporting Future Generations

At Foresters Friendly Society, we believe in the power of education and the importance of supporting our members throughout their journeys. With the £268,400 disbursed in Educational Award grants over the last three years, we are committed to helping students like Ryan thrive in their studies and personal development.

If you are aged 16 or above and have been a member of Foresters Friendly Society for at least 12 months, we encourage you to take advantage of the Educational Award Grant to help with the cost of higher education. Apply today to benefit from this vital financial support and make the most of your educational experience.

Contact your local Branch Secretary to enquire about what support is available.

If you do not know your local Branch Secretary details, use our Branch finder tool.

Not a Foresters member yet?

Joining is easy and Membership gives you access to discretionary Educational Award Grants and a range of other member benefits.

Take the first step towards a brighter, more supported future – join today!

Conclusion

The Foresters Educational Award Grant is more than just a financial contribution; it’s an investment in the future of our members. By supporting students in achieving their academic goals, we help build a community of knowledgeable, confident individuals ready to take on the world. Whether your passion lies in academics, sports, or other pursuits, the assistance we provide helps ensure that our members have the opportunity to succeed and make the most of their educational journey.

Together, we can build a better future—one student at a time!

All grants offered by the Society are discretionary. The membership benefits we provide aren’t regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority or the Prudential Regulation Authority and are regularly reviewed by us to ensure they are relevant to our members. Qualifying periods apply. To apply for the Educational Award grant you must be following, or proposing to follow, a course of higher or further education or training, either full or part-time, leading to a degree or other recognised professional or technical qualification taken at a further educational college or at a university.