SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Our donors recognize the importance of education and professional development in building a successful and fulfilling career in funeral service. Our transformative academic and professional development scholarships and opportunities will help you take your career to the next level, and ignite your passion and purpose.
ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS
Dozens of academic scholarships are awarded annually in two application cycles. Scholarships range from $2,500-$5,000 and are open to full-time or part-time students in good standing who are enrolled in ABFSE- or Canadian-accredited institutions/programs. Candidates must be attending classes and actively pursuing a degree in funeral service at the time of application. Academic scholarships are also available for US and Canadian military veterans.
Online applications accepted February 15-April 1 & September 15-November 1
Certified Celebrant Training Scholarships
The Foundation offers scholarships to select Certified Celebrant Trainings, hosted by NFDA and offered in partnership with Insight Institute. Open to all those who verifiably affiliated with at least one funeral home and are interested in becoming a Certified Celebrant.
Online applications accepted through May 1st!
NFDA INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION & EXPO SCHOLARSHIPS
The Foundation offers scholarships to attend the annual NFDA International Convention & Expo. The NFDA Convention is the largest of its kind in the world, and brings together thousands of funeral service professionals for the best in networking, education and the world’s largest funeral service Expo.
Online applications accepted in mid-2023!
DAVID C. BAUE NFDA PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIPS
NFDA’s Professional Women’s Conference offers women of funeral service an opportunity to come together to network, collaborate and learn from one another.
This year’s deadline as passed. Check back in early 2024 for next year’s conference!
MEET THE MENTORS
This exclusive program offers NFDA members under 40 (or those new to the profession and licensed fewer than five years) the unique opportunity to learn from the profession’s top funeral directors in an intimate setting.
The Foundation has supported this initiative since its 2011 inception. Since then, more than 600 funeral service professionals have learned from the profession’s finest practitioners. The Foundation underwrites program fees, lodging and select meals.
This year’s deadline as passed. Check back in early 2024 for next year’s event!
CAREER DEVELOPMENT SCHOLARSHIPS
Available to licensed funeral directors looking to grow through professional development and continuing education, Career Development Scholarships underwrite registration fees for a single NFDA Cremation Certification, Arranger Training or Certified Preplanning Consultant (CPC) session of recipient’s choosing.
New in 2022: Scholarships are offered at select in-person conferences and conventions.
NFDA ADVOCACY SUMMIT SCHOLARSHIPS
Build a broader understanding of community and strengthen your leadership skills as you engage with policy makers and colleagues from across the country. On Capitol Hill, you’ll advocate on legislative and regulatory issues that affect funeral service professionals and small business. Not only will you have the opportunity to educate members of Congress on the issues, you’ll enjoy a variety of networking opportunities and explore great landmarks at our nation’s capital.
Returning in 2024
Is A Career in Funeral Service Right For You?
Developed by Dr. Thomas Shaw with Southern Illinois University – Carbondale, this brief quiz matches your interests with those attributes that research has shown make a successful funeral director.
Scholarship Honor Roll
The Foundation is proud to help new generations of compassionate, dedicated, and skilled funeral service professionals in the United States and Canada. Each of our scholarship award winners bring their unique experience, perspective, and talent to the profession and work to serve grieving communities with care and dignity.
