Where can I find gap year travel grants?

I'm super interested in taking a gap year but money is tight. Are there are any grants available for gap year travel that I should look into?

There are indeed some noteworthy grants and scholarships that cater to students interested in a gap year. Here are a few examples:

1. The InterExchange Foundation awards Christianson Grants to students who organize a meaningful service project abroad. They offer awards for up to $10,000.

2. Rotary International offers various scholarships for study or service abroad, though not necessarily labeled as gap year scholarships.

3. There's the Global Citizen Year Fellowship, which caters to prospective gap year students who plan to participate in their immersive global "bridge year" program.

4. The Fund for Education Abroad provides scholarships for students who are usually underrepresented in study abroad programs, which could potentially be applied to gap year programs.

Remember, when applying for any type of funding, it's important to start early and pay close attention to the application criteria and deadlines. Each of these grants comes with an application that may require essays, letters of recommendation, and other materials, so give yourself plenty of time to put together a strong application.

In addition to grants and scholarships, you might also consider fundraising or crowdfunding to help finance your gap year, creating a project on a platform like GoFundMe or Kickstarter.

Lastly, it's crucial to plan your gap year wisely while considering cost-cutting measures. For instance, choosing less expensive countries, looking for volunteer programs that provide room and board, working part-time, or even a homestay can be an effective way to manage your budget.

I hope this gives you a starting point for your search. Good luck with your gap year planning!