• Grants for minorities allow many students to pay for a college education.university graduation celebrates his graduation with his girlfri image by Gina Smith from Fotolia.com
  
  Minority students are eligible to apply for grants and scholarships from organizations that provide educational funding for African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians, Asians, Pacific Islanders and other minority groups. These awards can cover tuition expenses, living costs and other education-related financial needs. Most organizations that prioritize education for minorities affirm that these groups have been historically underrepresented in higher education.
  
  

United Negro College Fund (UNCF)

• UNCF is a philanthropic organization that provides about 400 grants and scholarships per year to African American students at 39 specific colleges in the United States. Additionally, UNCF administers several grant programs targeted at other minority populations, such as the Gates Millennium Scholars Program and the Corporate Scholars Program, which provides students with scholarships and internship opportunities at Fortune 500 corporations.
  
  

Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF)

• Considered a leading grant-giving institution for Hispanic students, HSF awards thousands of scholarships each year to students who identify as Hispanic. The organization aims to double the rate of Hispanics who earn college degrees in the United States. Grant recipients range from high school seniors to doctoral students, and all applicants must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible for an HSF award.
  
  

American Indian College Fund

• This fund-raising organization awards about 6,000 grants and scholarships annually to American Indian students pursuing undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The Tribal College General Scholarship is given to students who plan to attend a tribal college or university, and the Special Scholarship Program provides funding for students pursuing degrees at either tribal or mainstream schools. The organization's website also provides a comprehensive list of other organizations that provide grants and scholarships to American Indian students.
  
  

Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIASF)

• APIASF grant recipients receive up to $5,000 each to cover education-related expenses for their first year of college. Open to applicants who identify as Asian or Pacific Islander as defined by the current U.S. Census, the organization seeks to provide funds for students who have a low socioeconomic status and have demonstrated commitment to community service, leadership and academics.
  
  

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

• This organization funds the Gates Millennium Scholars program, which covers educational costs for minority students pursuing bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees in education, engineering, mathematics, public health or a science-related field. Scholars must demonstrate significant financial need and identify as one or more of the following: African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Pacific Islander or Hispanic.