Funeral Service Foundation Opens Academic and Professional Development Opportunities
Brookfield, Wisconsin — The Funeral Service Foundation is pleased to announce applications are open- or opening soon – for a wide range of academic and professional development scholarships for 2026. Designed to support students, new professionals and experienced practitioners, these opportunities strengthen funeral service education, uplift emerging leaders and advance excellence in care for grieving communities.
This year’s scholarship season is supported by the generosity of donors whose contributions strengthen every part of the Foundation’s mission, including our commitment to expanding access to education and professional development across funeral service.
“The Funeral Service Foundation’s mission has always been to strengthen funeral service and support those who care for grieving families,” said Jeff Smith, chair of the Funeral Service Foundation Board of Trustees. “Scholarships are one of the most meaningful ways we invest in the future of our profession – they remove barriers to education, bring people together through shared learning experiences, and help cultivate skilled, compassionate professionals.”
Scholarships Now Open:
Academic Scholarships
The Funeral Service Foundation awards dozens of academic scholarships annually – ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 – for students enrolled in ABFSE‑ or Canadian‑accredited funeral service programs.
- 25+ scholarships
- Applications Open: February 15 – April 1 at FuneralServiceFoundation.org/Scholarship-Opportunities/Academic-Scholarships
Embalming & Restorative Art Seminar
An intensive NFDA training focused on strengthening technical embalming and restorative art skills. Scholarships support registration, lodging, and travel reimbursement.
- 5 scholarships available
- Applications Open: February 3 – March 5 at FuneralServiceFoundation.org/Scholarship-Opportunities/Embalming-Restorative-Arts-Seminar
- Event: May 4 – 8, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Certified Celebrant Training
This NFDA/Insight Institute program prepares participants to create and lead personalized, meaningful funeral ceremonies. Open to individuals affiliated with a funeral home.
- 10 scholarships available
- Applications Open: February 3 – April 16 at FuneralServiceFoundation.org/Celebrant-Training
- Event: June 24 – 26, Brookfield, Wisconsin
Scholarships Opening Soon
The following scholarship opportunities will open soon:
- NFDMA Annual Convention & Exposition
Applications Open March 1 – April 30 - CANA Cremation Innovation Convention
Applications Open March 1 – April 30 - National Emerging Leaders Program (NELP)
Applications Open March 10 – April 30
More information is available at FuneralServiceFoundation.org/Scholarship-Opportunities/Professional-Development.