Wrexham education grants and scholarships

Wrexham aid organisations provide grant funding to local residents who need financial help outside of government programmes. These charities grant money to individuals who meet specific criteria and are not already being helped by government.

These community grants are outside of what ordinarily may be on the radar with financial aid. Any one of these can lower the amount that students are responsible for. Poor families need all the help they can get. Many students have no savings to use towards education. The aid is reserved for applicants who live in Wrexham and who have a history here.

Some are funded through church partnerships. Others are paid through trusts. All can be used in addition to other sources of financial aid to further reduce the burden placed on students.

Grants of up to £750 from the Wrexham Community Endowment Fund are available to individuals who live in Wrexham. The purpose of funding is to enhance educational attainment and lifelong learning.

The Fund serves as a scholarship to students to cover university fees, through travel and educational materials may also be paid for through the award. To maximise the effectiveness of the programme, trustees may choose to omit applications where someone is able to obtain student loans. Applicants may contact The Community Foundation in Wales at 02920 379 580, which is the administrator of the Fund.

The Berse Fund is administered by the Trustees of the Berse Charity. It provides educational grants to girls and young women who need extra funding for their schooling. Aid can be directed for university costs, or it can be used for lessons and books.

Up to £100 is available as a grant to each of 20 applicants. A cleric from the Church in Wales must provide a character reference for the applicant. Anyone intending to pursue a first degree and who lives within the Diocese of St Asaph may apply for the grant funding. This may be used in a combination with many other grants to pay for all or a portion of educational costs. The Diocesan Office may respond to enquiries at telephone 01745 582245.

The Ruabon & District Relief-in-Need Charity can provide up to £200 towards schoolchildren costs or for travel and books for students at university. Enquiries may be directed to 01978 820102.

Grants of at least £50 are available through the Dame Dorothy Jeffreys Educational Foundation. Students no older than 25 may use the funds for educational expenses, including vocational studies. Enquiries are answered at 01978 754152.

Students who apply for aid should follow the instructions for each application. All requested documentation should be included as instructed by the form. Charities commonly deny applicants who fail to complete the requested information.

Some aid applications such as for the Berse Fund require that a letter of reference be provided. The qualify of this referral can make a meaningful difference on whether aid is granted as well as the amount of funding approved.

Anyone that calls a contact number should be prepared to ask very good questions. Often the person answering the phone may have some input on the selection process. This could be an opportunity to be remembered, and hopefully for the right reasons. Writing down a couple of good questions is advisable so that the person is impressed by the preparedness and competence of the applicant.