Scholarships for studies and projects

Scholarships for studies and projects

Here you can see an overview of some grants available from foundations and companies. This does not cover grants from Social Security.

Some member associations ÖBÍ Rights Association Provide grants for specific purposes, for example for education, research, and travel. Most often, the grants are only available to members of these organizations.

Self-Help Aid Fund in Akureyri

Members Self-rescue in Akureyri and the surrounding area can apply for a grant to Aid fund due to domestic or international travel for additional costs. Applications must be submitted on the designated forms and the allocation takes place on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, December 3rd (it is not automatically granted annually).

Self-Help Relief Fund          

Provides grants to people with disabilities for assistance with travel, see Rules of the fund

The Sjálfsbjörg Auxiliary Fund awards grants once a year, if funding allows, and applications must be submitted. by April 1st Each year. The fund's board of directors determines the grant amount each time, and in the most recent distributions, the amounts awarded have been equal for all recipients. The total amount distributed each time is determined by the fund's returns. Applicants must have been members of a Self-Help member association the year before applying, and two years must pass before reapplying. Self-Help members who have not previously received a grant have priority. Travel receipts (scanned) must be submitted after the trip has been taken – the approved grant will not be paid out beforehand. 

Here are Information about the fund, and there is an electronic application form. Communications are conducted electronically, and documents should preferably be sent by email to info@sjalfsbjorg.is, but if that is not at all possible, they can be sent to the office of Sjálfsbjörg, Hátún 12, 105 Reykjavík.

Jóhann Pétur Sveinsson Memorial Fund

The fund provides grants for two purposes: one, to support the education of individuals with physical disabilities, and two, to support projects related to improving accessibility for people with disabilities. A special application form is not filled out, but the application must state who is applying for the grant (name, ID number, home address, phone number, email address) and what type of grant is being applied for. Those applying for a scholarship must show proof that they are enrolled in a program of study. Applicants seeking a grant for accessibility improvements must provide an explanation of the project's purpose, how it will be carried out, its future benefits, and a cost estimate.

It is always best to have clear descriptions of the circumstances. Inquiries about whether grants are being provided from the fund and subsequent applications should be sent to the email address: sjalfsbjorg(at)sjalfsbjorg.is. Organizational Charter of the Johann Pétur Memorial Fund More information is available about the purpose of the fund. The fund is not distributed annually.

Gunnar Karl's Memorial Fund

The Gunnar Karl Memorial Fund was established in memory of Gunnar Karl Haraldsson, who passed away on February 28, 2021, after a battle with cancer. The purpose of the fund is to keep his cause alive by providing scholarships to individuals with disabilities for education, recreation, and sports, and for initiatives that support the participation of people with disabilities on an equal basis with others in society. 

You can fill out an application and get more information at the fund's homepage.

The Mother's Fund Committee has awarded confirmation scholarships each spring, as well as scholarships for children to attend summer camps and participate in play programs. More about scholarships Mother's Pension Committee

Mother's Aid Committee Education Fund

The fund was established on April 19, 2012, and is intended to support low-income women and/or mothers for education.

Self-Help Aid Fund in Akureyri

Members Self-rescue in Akureyri and the surrounding area can apply for a grant to Aid fund for university studies. Applications must be submitted on the designated forms. forms and the allocation takes place on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, December 3rd. It is not guaranteed that the fund will be awarded annually.

Education in Folk High Schools

Grants are available for education at Folk High Schools in the Nordic countries, more information about Grants for Folk High Schools.
Also provides UMFÍ grants for studies at folk high schools and for specific projects.

The Oddur Olafsson Research Fund              

The fund is managed by the Brynja Housing Fund of ÖBÍ and provides grants for research related to people with disabilities, more information The Oddur Olafsson Scholarship Fund

Municipal Grants

Municipalities are authorized, under the law on the affairs of disabled persons, to provide disabled persons with a grant to cover tuition costs that are not paid for under the provisions of other laws. See more in Guiding regulations for these grants.

Thorbjarnar Fund

The purpose of the fund is to support people with arthritis, especially young people with arthritis. Information about the fund and others The Arthritis Society's grant fund can be found on the association's website

Various scholarships and loans for students

On the website Ísland.is, you can find Useful information about scholarships for students.

On the Ministry of Education and Culture's website is An overview of the grants and funds they administer., i.e., grants for study abroad.

Banks often provide scholarships to students who are customers.

Scholarships for students at the University of Iceland

Students studying at the University of Iceland can apply grants to several funds. On the University of Iceland website, there is more information about Available grants.

Scholarships for students at the University of Reykjavik

On the website University of Reykjavik Information can be found about scholarships available for students at the school.

Fulbright scholarships

The Fulbright Foundation Strengthens relations between Iceland and the United States in the fields of education and research. Various scholarships are available for university students and even high school students. See the website for more information. Fulbright . 

Numerous companies and organizations provide grants. Below are some of them. To find out who provides grants, it is best to use an internet search engine (e.g., Google) and enter the keywords "community grants" or "community funds," which will bring up numerous organizations that provide grants for good causes. We also welcome suggestions for organizations that provide grants for people with disabilities.

The Króna

The retail chain Krónan provides annual grants to a variety of community projects. More information .

Children of privilege

Icelandair provides travel grants for sick children and their families. Grants are awarded twice a year, on First of May and First day of winter. More about Children of privilege.

The oil company Skeljungur

provides grants for community issues and is available Information about him on their website.

Icelandic Bank

The bank provides grants for sports and cultural activities. More about Icelandic to English

The National Bank

Annually, Landsbankinn provides grants for community projects and scholarships – more information Information

National Power Company

Landsvirkjun's Community Fund Provides grants for various projects.

Eimskip

Eimskip Provides grants for various projects

Self-rescue in Akureyri and the surrounding area

Self-Help Fund of Akureyri and Surrounding Area supports its members to:

  • college education
  • Adaptation of the environment and purchase of equipment for work, education, leisure, or for exchange visits
  • travel domestically or internationally due to additional costs
  • one of those projects that the fund's board deems eligible, such as innovative and startup projects
Ministry of Industry and Innovation
  • Development Fund for Tourist Destinations falls under the Tourism Board. The fund's board is appointed by the minister.  The purpose and function of the fund is to promote the development, maintenance, and preservation of tourist sites in public ownership or under public management throughout the country. Additionally, with funds from the fund, efforts shall be made to ensure the safety of tourists and protect the country's natural environment.
The Government Office
  • Icelandic Equality Fund.  The main purpose of the fund is to finance or support projects and research aimed at promoting gender equality, both in Icelandic society and internationally.

There are no special grants available for people with disabilities for funerals.

Most trade unions pay funeral benefits, and people are advised to contact the deceased's trade union or the relevant union's health fund to inquire. Please note that the rules vary among trade unions.

If it is clear that the deceased's estate cannot cover the costs, the next of kin can apply. funeral assistance in that municipality where the person lived. A confirmation from the county clerk for an estate with no assets is then required. It is best to contact the relevant social services to get more detailed information on how to apply for a grant and what documents need to be obtained. Here is information from the website The National Hospital about Various rights upon death. 

Please note that the material above is taken from the websites of the respective organizations/companies.

Do you have any suggestions or further questions? Contact us here