*Please note that the following information may change at any time.
EPISCOPAL
Diocese of Pennsylvania - Scholarships for Women
Scholarships are available to assist women training for religious and benevolent work pertaining to the Episcopal Church. The amount of aid offered ranges from $2,000 to $3,000. To qualify, an applicant must satisfy the following requirements: 1) An earned bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, 2) An acceptance in one of the following programs: a) a seminary, b) a college or university offering advanced degrees in education, religion, social work, medicine or allied fields, 3) a degree credit program of continuing education in the applicant's present field of work. For further information and applications, please contact: The Church Training and Deaconess House, Board of Managers, Diocese of Pennsylvania, 240 South Fourth Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Application deadline: March 15.
Diocese of Pennsylvania - T. James Fernley III Memorial Fund for Episcopal Theological Education (for seminarians from Pennsylvania only)
Awards are made based on various criteria: financial need, capacity for good communication, and a genuine interest in the pastoral component of ministry. Contact the T. James Fernley III, Memorial Fund, Diocese of Pennsylvania, 240 South Fourth Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Application Deadline: mid-June.
DuBose, Diocese of Long Island
Qualifications: Applicants must be postulants or candidates for Holy Orders in the Episcopal Church. They must be enrolled in a seminary and be at least 32 years of age. Contact scholarship secretary: Ms. Sally Neumann at 205.539.0893. Application deadline: April 30.
Holy Trinity Centennial Scholarship
Students in an academic program for ordained or lay ministry of the Episcopal Church or worldwide Anglican Communion are invited to apply. Awards made annually since 1994. For an application form, write or call: Scholarship Selection Committee, Holy Trinity Centennial Scholarship Trust, Holy Trinity Parish, 515 East Ponce de Leon Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030, phone: 404.377.2622 or on the web at edandbin@mindspring.com. Application deadline: March 31.
Mercer
Award date December 31. Qualifications: Episcopal seminary students preparing for work in the Episcopal Church may apply. Pick up applications in the EDS Financial Aid Office. Award date: December 31. Application deadline: October 15 of each year.
Order of the Daughters of the King (The) - Master's Fund
Inaugurated at the Order’s Triennial Convention in 1922 as a thank offering to be given at Pentecost in loving commemoration of the coming of the Holy Spirit. The fund is intended to assist Daughters and other women to attend school to prepare for missionary and other church-related work. Applicants must be 21 years of age, present letters of recommendation from her rector, three (3) church women who know her well and her dean or academic advisor if already attending school. Applications may be obtained from the National Office of the Order, the Master’s Fund Chairperson, or website: www.dok-national.org 770.517.8552; fax 770.517.8066. Completed forms with self-addressed, stamped envelop must reach the Master’s fund Chairperson no later than March 1 of any given year. Master’s Fund Chairperson: Missy Denney, 6378 Circle Oak Drive, Bulverde, TX 78163.
Office for Ministry Development
This is a publication listing sources of financial assistance for Theological Education, Lifelong Learning, and the Arts. This resource lists over 100 financial resources. To request a copy of this publication, contact: Molly Shaw, Assistant for Data Management, The Office for Ministry Development, The Episcopal Church Center, 815 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017; by phone at 1.800.334.7626 ext. 6162; by emailing mshaw@episcopalchurch.org; or via the web at http://www.episcopalchurch.org.
Society for Increase of Ministry (SIM)
Students should pick up applications in the EDS Financial Aid Office. Qualifications: Applicants must be full-time students who are postulants and candidates for Holy Orders in the Episcopal Church, USA. Applicants must demonstrate financial need. Application deadline: March 15.
NONDENOMINATIONAL
Fund for Theological Education, Inc. (FTE) Ministry Fellows Program
Open to students under 35 entering the first year of a MDiv program. Benefits include: attendance at the Summer Conference on Excellence in Ministry, a $5,000 summer stipend to fund a self designed ministry project, and FTE partnership with the educational institution to enhance Fellows' learning experiences and preparation for ministry. Applicants must be U.S. or Canadian citizens. Contact information: phone 404.727.1450; e-mail fte@thefund.org; website www.exploreministry.org. Application deadline: April 1 of each year.
International Order of the King's Daughters and Sons
Qualifications: Applicants must be full-time M.Div. candidates who are citizens of the U.S. or Canada. Preference is given to those working toward the goal of becoming ministers of an organized congregation. Applicants must have a B average or better. Contact information: P.O. Box 1017, Chautauqua, NY 14722, or phone: 716.357.4951. Application request deadline is March 31. Application deadline: April 30; awarded in September.
New England Women Ministers Association
Applicants must be women who are permanent residents of one of the New England States and who are currently studying, or have been accepted for study, at a New England seminary. They must be planning to begin or continue a ministry in New England. Ordination is not a requirement. Contact: NEWMA, 40 Devon Court, East Greenwich, RI 02818. Application deadline: November 30.
Seminary Scholarship
This scholarship is open to everyone and doesn’t take a week’s worth of late nights to apply. At www.seminaryscholarship.com all you need to do is watch a demonstration of Logos Bible Software and fill out a brief application. Once your application is submitted you will be entered to win a $1,000.00 scholarship AND a digital theological library that, in print, would cost over $8,000.00. Contact: Adam Navarrete/Scholarship Manager, Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1313 Commercial St., Bellingham, WA 98225-4307. 800.875.6467 or anavarrete@logos.com
William H. Nelson Educational Foundation Grant
Grants are available to students at seminaries for ministerial candidates leading to a degree, in seminaries related to a Protestant Church. Said ministerial candidate programs are limited to those culminating in the initial divinity degree available after undergraduate study. Application forms are available from the William H. Nelson Education Foundation, c/o Debbie Cieslukowski, 103 Harrisburg Pike, Dillsburg, PA 17019-1330.
Application deadline: July 15 of each year.
OTHER DENOMINATIONS
The Paulist Center, Lay Ministry Tuition Grant
Qualifications: Applicants must be Roman Catholic lay students in a graduate theological and pastoral degree program and have successfully completed her/his first year of study in a BTI school.
Application deadline: May 1.
United Methodist Church - Student Scholarships
A variety of scholarship opportunities are available, including the James C. Baker Graduate Awards and the John Q. Schisler Graduate awards, for students preparing for ministries in Christian education and chaplaincy, the E. Craig Brandenburg Graduate Award for older persons in ministry, the Rev. Charles Tadlock Scholarships for seminarians who have completed at least one year of study, the Georgia Harkness Scholarships for women preparing for ordained (United Methodist) ministry as a second career, and the HANA Scholarships, for Hispanic, Asian, or Native American (United Methodist) students preparing for leadership in higher education or in "HANA" communities. Each of these programs has specified deadlines and application requirements. Contact in writing the Office of Leans and Scholarships, General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, The United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 871, Nashville, TN 37202 or apply online at
www.gbhem.org.
Ted Jones Ministerial Scholarship
Given to a seminary student with UU Ministry as his/her goal, special consideration will be given to older students from New England who are at least in their second year of studies, seeking ministry as a second career, have been active in the dramatic arts, have financial need and are willing to visit First Parish in Waltham, MA. A single award of $500.00 will be made. To apply, submit a one-page written statement addressing the criteria and other relevant information to: The Fund Committee, First Parish Church, 50 Church St., Waltham, MA 02452.
Application deadline: April 8.
Unitarian Universalist Ministerial Education
Limited funds available to students enrolled full-time in a MDiv degree program leading to ordination as a UU minister. Aspirant status or candidate status is required. Applicants for financial aid through the UUA are automatically considered for these named scholarships. Contact information: Christine May, Unitarian Universalist Association, 25 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108;
617.742.2100; or www.uua.org/awards.
Application deadline is April 15.
- David Eaton Scholarship: $2500/year to an African American woman in or preparing for seminary dedicated to creating an anti-racist, multi-cultural religious organization and country.
- David Pohl Scholarship: $2250/year to a promising ministerial candidate.
- Olympia Brown and Max Kapp Awards: $2500 (one to a woman and one to a man) to ministerial students in addition to meeting the requirements for general financial aid, choose to submit as part of their general financial application a paper, sermon, or other special project on some aspect of Universalism.
- Reverend Chuck Thomas Scholarship: $2500/year to a person who has shown outstanding commitment to UUism as a lay leader and has not yet entered seminary.
- Robert and Martha Atherton Scholarship: 2 awards, $2500 each (will increase as value increases). First priority: Meadville-Lombard Students. Students must be in the second or third year of seminary. Up to 25% can be directed to assisting African American, Hispanic, Native Americans, and foreign students to allow them to spread the faith in their native countries. For students who have proven their ability and dedication to the UU faith and to helping mankind and recognizes that sound family orientation is the foundation of a healthy and strong society. Student is patriotic and has an attitude of friendship and caring for mankind.
- Roy H. Pollack Scholarship: (Amount varies depending on fund performance - 99-00 was $7500) to a junior or senior student with academic excellence and good character, studying for ordained ministry. Student should participate in extracurricular activities at the theological institution.
ETHNIC AND MINORITY
Absalom Jones Scholarship Fund
This EDS fund was established to support African-Americans preparing for ministry in the Episcopal Church. The school names the recipient from the pool of admitted applicants or from members of the current student body. Applications for this scholarship are not accepted. To be considered, a person must be: an African-American with US citizenship, a confirmed Episcopalian, either a current full-time student at EDS or an applicant who has been admitted as a full-time student, someone who has the demonstrated intention of preparing for ordained ministry in the Episcopal Church, and able to demonstrate financial need.
Ethel Louise Armstrong Foundation Scholarships
ELA is committed to expanding opportunities for female graduate students with disabilities and developing future leadership in the disability community. The foundation will award one or two scholarships of us to $2,000 each per academic year to supplement financial assistance received by a female graduate student(s). Applicants must be a female with a physical disability (as set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act); be currently enrolled or actively applying to a graduate program in an accredited college or university in the United States; and be willing to partner with the ELA Foundation within her chosen field of study to help advance the foundation's mission. Visit the ELA website for complete eligibility information and application guidelines and forms www.ela.org Application deadline: June 25.
Justin Haruyama Ministerial Scholarship Fund
Offered to full-time students in accredited Protestant seminaries in the US preparing for ministerial degrees and intend to serve Japanese American congregations. Applications may be obtained by writing to the Applications Committee, Justin Haruyama Ministerial Scholarship Fund, c/o Japanese-American United Church, 255 Seventh Ave., New York, NY 10001.
John J. Ingalls Memorial Scholarship
The John J. Ingalls Memorial Scholarship, administered by United Cerebral Palsy of MetroBoston, Inc., will award $5,000 scholarships for students residing in the State of Massachusetts, and diagnosed with a physical disability. The scholarship committee will award up to three applicants per year an unrestricted amount of $5,000 to be used towards tuition at an accredited college or university.
United Cerebral Palsy of MetroBoston, Inc.
A non-profit organization established to advance the independence of people with disabilities. The scholarship is named after Mr. John J Ingalls, a Massachusetts resident, who through his generosity established this scholarship in his will. The application can be obtained by calling 617.926.5480 or accessing the website at www.ucpboston.org. Application deadline: April 15.
National Italian American Foundation Scholarship
NIAF Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic performance, field of study, career objectives, and the potential, commitment, and abilities applicants have demonstrated that would enable them to make significant contributions to their chosen field of study. Some scholarships are awarded based on financial need. Open to Italian American students who demonstrate outstanding potential and high academic achievements. Awards range from $2,000 - $5,000. For information and application go to www.niaf.org/Scholarships. Application deadline: April 30.
Office of Black Ministries, Episcopal Church Center, New York
Rising Middlers and rising Seniors of African descent are invited to submit applications for scholarship assistance from the Office of Black Ministries at the Episcopal Church Center in New York. Seminarians must forward to the Office with all information and signatures are requested and must be careful to follow the instructions on the application forms. To be considered eligible, applications must reach the Black Ministries Office no later than March 6. Application forms are available contacting The Office of Black Ministries, Episcopal Church Center, 815 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017 (800) 334.7626.
DOCTORIAL
Office of Black Ministries - Episcopal Church Center, New York
Black Clergy Continuing Education Scholarship
Awarded twice yearly. DMin students must be of African descent, active and canonically resident in the Episcopal Church USA. Self-study or Tutorial sabbaticals are NOT acceptable. Application forms are available contacting The Office of Black Ministries, Episcopal Church Center, 815 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017 (800) 334.7626.
Hispanic Theological Initiative
Applicants must be full-time DMin candidates. This fund was established to encourage and enable Hispanic persons to prepare themselves for ministry. Call HTI at (800) 575.5522 for application and deadline. Visit their website at www.htiprogram.org or email hti@ptsem.edu
Kent Fellowships
These fellowships provide assistance to persons who combine excellence in scholarship with genuine religious commitment and who show promise for outstanding leadership in higher education. Requirements: Applicants must be under thirty-five years of age and must have completed at least one year of full-time graduate study toward a DMin at the time application papers are filed. Students in professional schools (such as theology) may apply the year immediately preceding the beginning of graduate study for the DMin degree, provided that the professional degree will give them one year's advanced standing in their DMin program. For information contact: The Danforth Foundation, 222 South Central Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63105 or www.muohio.edu (usually limited to Missouri).
Spencer Foundation Dissertation Fellowships
Applicants must be candidates for the doctoral degree in any field of study. Students need not be United States citizens. Dissertation topics must concern education. Request required application forms from: Spencer Dissertation Fellowships, The Spencer Foundation, 625 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60611. Call 312.337.7000 for information.
The Robbins Fellowship
Applicants must be studying for a doctoral degree (DMin). Occasional consideration may be given to MA/MDiv students in exceptional circumstances who need assistance with clinical training expenses. Applications are reviewed on a competitive basis. Candidates must make a formal application to the President and Dean of Episcopal Divinity School in writing. For more information contact the Assistant to the Academic Dean at 617.682.1525 or email registrar@eds.edu.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND FELLOWSHIPS FOR SPECIAL PROJECTS
Acton Institute: www.acton.org
For the study of religion and liberty
- The Calihan Research Assistance Fellowship program provides non-renewable research grants of up to $3000 three times a year to advanced graduate students whose research agenda shows outstanding promise in integrating religious ideas with principles such as the recognition of human rights and dignity, the protection of rights through the rule of law, and freedom in economic and political life. Application deadline: February 28.
- The Calihan Religion and Liberty Fellowship program provides academic fellowships of up to $5000 once a year to graduate students who show outstanding promise in integrating religious ideas with principles such as the recognition of human rights and dignity, the protection of rights through the rule of law, and freedom in economic and political life. Fellowships are awarded for one year, but recipients are eligible to reapply in subsequent years. Application deadline: March 1.
- The Calihan Travel Grant program provides up to $1000 to students who have been selected to present, at an academic conference, research that is relevant to the integration of religious ideas with the core principles of the classical liberal tradition. Awards are also open to students who need to travel to, and perform research at, archives or libraries. Application for and awarding of these grants are ongoing.
- The Annual Acton Institute Homiletics Award presents awards of $2000, $1000, and $500 to the three best sermons based on a biblical passage chosen by the institute Application deadline: March 1.
- The Annual Lord Acton Essay Competition presents awards of $2000, $1000, and $500 to three outstanding essays on a topic chosen by the institute.
Complete information about these and other institute programs for students is available on the institute's website at http://www.acton.org/programs/students/. Questions may be directed to awards@acton.org or Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty, 161 Ottawa Avenue NW, Suite 301, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, phone: 616.454.3080.
Jonathan Daniels Memorial Fellowships
Fellowships are made available to students in ATS-accredited schools to assist them in undertaking special projects in social action. Please note: These fellowships are only for special projects outside the regular school curriculum. For more information contact the Assistant to the Academic Dean at 617.682.1525 or email registrar@eds.edu.
The Clark Prize in Apologetics
This award is designed to encourage and reward excellence in one specific area of Christian scholarship, the defense of the faith. The prize is awarded annually to a theological student who composes an outstanding original essay in apologetics. Each essay must be submitted in duplicate to The Trinity Foundation, P.O. Box 169, Jefferson, MD 21755. Each essay must be accompanied by an entry form (available from The Foundation). Awarded annually in May or June. Application deadline: March 1 of each year.
The Roothbert Fund ($2,000-$3,000)
Qualifications: Open to all in the United States regardless of sex, age, color, nationality or religious background, the Fund does not emphasize any particular form of religious practice or worship; it seeks to provide support to persons motivated by spiritual values. The Fund has awarded grants to persons entering a wide range of careers with preference given to those who have high scholastic achievement and are considering teaching as a vocation. An interview is required. Applicants must live in or come from one of the following states: ME, NH, VT, RI, MA, CT, NY, NJ, PA, OH, DE, MD, DC, VA, WV, or NC. Application forms are available upon written request to The Secretary, Roothbert Fund, Inc., 475 Riverside Drive, Room 252, New York, NY, 10115. Awards are made known in April. Request applications in early December; Application Deadline: March 1 each year.
Information about a variety of student aid (loans and grants) can be found at a variety of government and private websites, including:
