Become a Certified Celebrant!

The Foundation recognizes that celebrants who serve families extends beyond licensed funeral directors. Oftentimes hospice and healthcare professionals, clergy, chaplains, educators, counselors, social workers, and others work with funeral homes to provide families with personalized and meaningful memorialization experiences.

Scholarships are available to those who are verifiably affiliated with at least one funeral home and are interested in becoming a Certified Celebrant.

Ten scholarships are available to those who are verifiably affiliated with at least one funeral home and are interested in becoming a Certified Celebrant. Offered by Insight Institute, and presented by Glenda Stansbury and Matt Bailey, the scholarship is available solely for the seminar held June 7-9 at the NFDA Headquarters in Brookfield, Wisconsin.

Valued at up to $2,000, scholarships cover registration fees, two nights of hotel accommodations and up to $500 in travel reimbursement. Registration for the seminar opened on April 7, 2023.

SUBMISSION INFORMATION

SUBMISSION PERIOD
March 8 – May 1, 2023 (Now Closed)

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS INCLUDED
Answering five questions in no more than 250 words per question and submitting a brief video, no longer than two minutes.

  • Scholarships are available to those who are verifiably affiliated with at least one funeral home and are interested in becoming a Certified Celebrant.
  • Scholarships are available solely for NFDA-hosted Certified Celebrant Training, in partnership with Insight Institute.
  • Recipients of other Funeral Service Foundation scholarships may apply.
  • Those who have already registered for the seminar may apply.
  • Scholarships will be awarded without regard to race, religious beliefs, age, national origin, or disability.
  • Scholarships are available to NFDA members and non-members.
  • Scholarships are not renewable and a candidate may only receive this award once.
  • If unable to attend designated scholarship events, the scholarship recipient will forfeit his or her scholarship for that year, but may apply in subsequent years.
  • All scholarships are subject to available funds.
  • All award decisions of the Funeral Service Foundation are final.
  • Alternates may be selected in the event that a scholarship recipient decides not to accept the award.
  • Only completed applications will be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
  • The Funeral Service Foundation reserves the right to eliminate from consideration incomplete applications without further notice to the applicant.
  • Recipients will be notified via email.
Celebrant Training 720 × 860

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2023 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

Dawn Iannacone
Celebrations by Dawn Angela
Savannah, GA

Nancy Jackson
Home Hospice of Grayson County
Sherman, TX

Regan Moreland
Radney Funeral Home
Alexander City, AL

Sarah Rehberg-Ziesmer
Heritage Funeral Home
Oak Creek, WI

Samantha Sensaas
Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home
Concordia, KS

Melissa Staley
Smith Family Funeral Home
North Little Rock, AR

Todd Stiede
Swedberg Funeral Home
Shawano, WI

Beth Vogt
Armstrong-Van Houten Funeral Homes and Monuments
Mapleton, IA

Susan Watermann
Knight Funeral Home
White River Junction, VT

Melissa Willard
James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home
Walpole, MA