College Grant and Fellowship Database with AI Assistance Built In.

CollegeWhale offers one of the only dedicated college grant and fellowship databases online — no sign up, no spam, and no personal information required. Our database includes millions of dollars in funding from federal programs, state agencies, colleges, foundations, and research organizations. Use the filters at the top of this page to search by degree level, location, field, or eligibility and quickly surface grants and fellowships that never need to be repaid.

Unlike many sites, our grant and fellowship listings are kept separate from scholarships, so you’re only seeing true grant and fellowship funding here. If you also want to stack scholarships on top of your grants, you can explore our free online college scholarship database and use both tools together to build a complete funding plan.

Why Use the CollegeWhale Free Grant and Fellowship Search?

Most “free” databases quietly trade access for your data. CollegeWhale does the opposite. You will never be forced to create an account, hand over your email, or opt into marketing lists just to see real opportunities. We provide a sleek, AI-enhanced, human-curated grant and fellowship database that’s updated regularly and designed for serious students, researchers, and professionals.

Searching is straightforward, and saving awards to your own Drive or spreadsheet is easy — so you stay in control of your information and your application workflow.

How Can I Pay for College Using Grants?

Grants are one of the best ways to pay for college because they do not need to be repaid. They can come from the federal government, your state, your college, or private organizations. Used together with scholarships, they can dramatically reduce — or sometimes eliminate — the need for loans.

To build a grant-first funding plan, focus on these steps:

• Complete the FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the gateway to most federal, state, and institutional grants. Submit it as early as possible — some funds are first-come, first-served. If you need help, start with our FAFSA preparation guide.
• Explore state grants: Many states offer grants for residents, often tied to specific majors, in-state schools, or workforce needs like teaching or healthcare.
• Check college-based grants: Colleges use their own funds to award need-based and merit-based institutional grants. Ask the financial aid office what additional programs may be available.
• Search private grants and fellowships: Use the filters in this database to find funding from foundations, nonprofits, professional associations, and research organizations that match your field and goals.
• Leverage employer and community resources: Some employers, community groups, and local foundations offer grants or tuition assistance for employees, members, or residents.

When you combine federal, state, institutional, and private grants, you can often cover a significant share of your costs before considering loans.

What Are Hardship Grants for College Students?

Hardship grants are emergency funds for students facing unexpected financial crises — like job loss, medical bills, housing insecurity, or family emergencies. These grants help you stay enrolled and on track when life throws something serious your way.

• Start with your financial aid office: Many colleges maintain emergency grant funds or completion grants for students at risk of dropping out.
• Document your situation: Be ready to provide short explanations and supporting documents, such as medical bills or proof of income loss.
• Look beyond campus: Community organizations, charities, and local foundations sometimes offer hardship or relief grants for students and families.

Hardship grants are about more than money — they are a bridge that keeps you enrolled long enough to complete your degree.

Free Grants for College: What Should I Look For?

“Free grants” are simply grants that never have to be repaid — as long as you meet the eligibility and enrollment requirements. Common examples include:

• Federal Pell Grants: For undergraduates with financial need.
• State need-based grants: For residents attending eligible in-state institutions.
• Institutional grants: Awarded directly by colleges from their own funds.
• Specialized grants: For veterans, single parents, students in high-need fields, or underrepresented groups.

Use this database to discover both well-known and niche programs you might otherwise miss.

How Fellowships Fit into Your Funding Plan

Fellowships are especially important for graduate, doctoral, and professional students — they often combine tuition support with a living stipend and professional development.

Unlike typical grants, fellowships frequently support a specific project, research agenda, or area of study. They may fund fieldwork, dissertation research, or advanced training, and they usually come with mentorship and networking opportunities that can shape your career for years to come.

As you search this database, look for fellowships that align with:

• Your field (e.g., humanities, STEM, social sciences, public service).
• Your stage (undergraduate research, master’s, PhD, or postdoctoral work).
• Your long-term goals (academia, industry, public sector, or non-profit work).

The Bottom Line

Grants and fellowships are some of the most powerful tools you have to cut the cost of education without taking on debt. Use the filters at the top of this page to explore grants and fellowships that fit your degree level, field, and situation, then layer them with scholarships and smart college choices to build a funding plan that actually works.

When you’re ready to stack more free money on top, pair this tool with our College Scholarship Database and the FAFSA guide linked above to maximize every source of aid before you borrow a single dollar.