APPLY NOW: Education Grants for Coast Guard Spouses

Are you the spouse of an enlisted active-duty Coast Guard member or the spouse of an enlisted Reservist on active-duty orders looking to advance your education?  

The Coast Guard Foundation spouse education grant application is open January 15, 2025 - March 1, 2026.  

Eligible spouses may apply for a grant to support their college and professional training goals. Our program awards $1,000 grants to cover tuition, fees, supplies, and related education expenses incurred during the 2026 calendar year.  

We also fund ten $2,000 grants for spouses studying in the health, medical, dental, and wellness areas, through the generosity of Delta Dental. A separate application for the Coast Guard Foundation Delta Dental spouse education program is listed on our application portal. 

Applying for a grant is straightforward. Review the eligibility criteria and submit your application if you qualify. Be sure to highlight your education and professional goals and how this grant will make a difference in your learning and training. 

How to Apply for a Coast Guard Foundation Grant 

Visit the Application Portal: coastguardfoundation.org/spousegrant  
Application Period: Submit your application January 15 - March 1, 2026. 
Eligibility Requirements: Grants are available to non-military spouses of: 
          Active-duty enlisted Coast Guard members in pay grades E-1 to E-9. 
          Enlisted Coast Guard Reservists in pay grades E-1 to E-9 on active-duty orders of 180 days or more. 
Grant Purpose: The grants are intended to cover education-related expenses, such as tuition, fees, supplies and other education expenses incurred during the 2026 calendar year. 
Grant Amount: Awards are $1,000 or $2,000, depending on eligibility  

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Awarding Grants

• Grants are awarded in the order they are received, provided all eligibility requirements have been met.
• Education and training programs must be at a regionally or nationally accredited institution.
• Priority is given to spouses pursuing first degrees (associates and bachelors), licenses, and certifications. If sufficient funds are available, grants will be offered for second degrees.
• Priority is given to spouses of members E-6 and under. If sufficient funds are available, spouses of E-7, E-8 and E-9 members will be offered a grant based on the date of their completed application.
• All selection results are final.
• Submitting an application does not guarantee grant funding.
• Coast Guard Foundation spouse education grants are limited to one grant a year.  
• All grant recipients will be notified by the Coast Guard Foundation of their selection of a grant. Selected applicants will be contacted directly by email or phone and sent a letter via mail to their home address.
• Periodic changes may affect the funding levels of this program. As a result, the Coast Guard Foundation does not guarantee the funding levels for this program. The Coast Guard Foundation reserves the right to reduce or discontinue any award due to the non-availability of funding, without advance notice.