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Let Us Help You Access a Great Education in Funeral Service

Access to a great education is one of the central tenets of the Foundation’s mission of lifting up grieving communities by investing in people and programs that strengthen funeral service. Each year, the Foundation offers dozens of academic scholarships 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. Students who have been accepted into a program, but have not started coursework are not yet eligible to apply.

Submission Cycles

Applications Accepted Feb. 15 – April 1 & Sept. 15 – Nov. 1

Apply Now

Academic Scholarship Winner

“I am so thankful and grateful for this scholarship. The financial support of my education means so much. I am looking forward to serving as a funeral director in my home state of Michigan after graduation and am humbled to have the opportunity to serve families in the near future.”

Mia Signature

Mia Wielenga

2019-20 Academic Scholarship Winner
Worsham College of Mortuary Science
Wheeling, IL

View the Class of 2023

Named Academic Scholarships for Students of Funeral Service

About Our Named Scholarships

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Foundation offers a number of Named Scholarships each year to students of funeral service. These scholarships celebrate the legacies and achievements of extraordinary funeral service professionals and their families, while recognizing the profession’s next generation of visionaries and leaders. In many cases, award recipients become connected with the donors who established the scholarships.

Shipley Rose Buckner Memorial Scholarship
Named in memory of Shipley Rose Buckner, daughter of Foundation Trustee Emeritus Ralph Buckner. In honor of Shipley’s desire to become a funeral director, this endowed scholarship is open to women pursuing a degree in funeral service. The endowed scholarship is funded by a generous contributions from Buckner Management Services/Ralph Buckner Foundation.

John Carmon Scholarship
NEW IN 2023!
Named in honor of Foundation Past Chair and NFDA Past President John Carmon, who was awarded the Foundation’s Distinguished Service Award in 2022. Mr. Carmon was instrumental in growing the Foundation’s endowment. The scholarship is funded by gifts made Mr. Carmon’s honor.

CANA/Jack Springer Scholarship
NEW IN 2023! Named in memory of Jack Springer who served many years as the Executive Director of the Cremation Association of North America (CANA). The scholarship is funded through a generous gift from CANA.

Foundation ’45 Scholarships
Named in honor of the Foundation’s commitment to making education accessible to funeral service students and professionals since its establishment in 1945. The scholarship is funded by donors from across the profession.

Funeral Directors Life Memorial Scholarship
NEW IN 2023! The Funeral Directors Life Memorial Scholarship honors the memories of funeral service professionals who were instrumental in the founding and growth of Funeral Directors Life. The endowed scholarship is funded by a generous gift from Funeral Directors Life.

Joseph E. Hagan Memorial Scholarship
Named in memory of Joseph E. Hagan whose funeral service career spanned nearly six decades. Mr. Hagan assisted in the funerals of notables including Presidents John F. Kennedy and Dwight Eisenhower, FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. The scholarship is supported through contributions to the Foundation’s Endowment.

Bob Horn Scholarship
Named in honor of Foundation Past Chair Bob Horn, who was awarded the Foundation’s first-ever Distinguished Service Award in 2021. Mr. Horn was instrumental in growing the Foundation’s endowment. The scholarship is funded by gifts made in Mr. Horn’s honor.

Mark Hornibrook & Harry Pontone Memorial Scholarships
NEW IN 2023! Named in memory of Mark Hornibrook and Harry Pontone, the scholarship honors their legacies and enduring connection to the funeral service profession, while helping students be the best they can be. The scholarship is made possible through a generous gift from National Guardian Life.

Memorial Classic Scholarship
Named in memory of some of the profession’s finest: Bill Bischoff, Mike Fleming, Dave Hirt, Steve Mack, John Morrow, Ed Murphy, Mike Stephens, Ed Tuggle and Joe Weatherford. The endowed scholarship is funded through proceeds from the annual Memorial Classic Golf Tournament, which is headed by Tom and Jake Johnson of Johnson Consulting Group.

Steve Lang Scholarship
Named in honor of Homesteaders Life Company former CEO, and Foundation Trustee Emeritus, Steve Lang. Funded by a generous gift from Homesteaders.

Steve Mack Scholarship
Named in honor of Stephen M. Mack, who was known as a “giant of funeral service.” Mr. Mack’s noteworthy career with Service Corporation International spanned decades. The scholarship is funded through a gift from the Stephen M. Mack Family.

Louis & Josephine Pontone Scholarship
Named in memory of Louis & Josephine Pontone, father & mother of Foundation Trustee Thomas Pontone. Mr. Louis Pontone and his brothers helped expand the family’s casket company to serve all 50 states. The scholarship is funded through a generous gift from Thomas Pontone.

Dennis Schoepp Memorial Scholarship
Named in memory of Dennis Schoepp, who twice served as president of the Montana Funeral Directors Association. Preference will be given to students from MONTANA who INTEND to return to Montana after graduation to work in funeral service, and who are also affiliated with a Montana Funeral Directors Association Member Firm (MFDA).

The scholarship is offered in partnership with the Montana Funeral Directors Association. In addition to Foundation submission requirements, students interested in the Dennis Schoepp Memorial Scholarship must also submit a letter of reference/support from an MFDA Member Firm to MFDA (info@montananfda.org).

SCI National Scholarship Program
We also promote the Brenda Renee Horn and Steve Mack Memorial Scholarships in partnership with the SCI National Scholarship Program. Please direct any questions regarding SCI’s scholarship program to Campus.Relations@sci-us.com.

About The SCI National Scholarship Program Pink Arrow

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Essay & Video
Each candidate is required to answer five questions in no more than 250 words per question, and submit a brief video, no longer than two minutes.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

When you submit your application, you’ll also be required to upload:

  • Your most recent transcripts from your ABFSE- or Canadian-accredited institution.
  • A letter of good standing from an instructor or program director.
  • A letter of recommendation.

Applications Accepted Feb. 15 – April 1 & Sep. 15 – Nov. 1

Apply Now

  • Online submissions only.
  • Scholarships 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.
  • PLEASE NOTE: Students who are enrolled, but have not yet begun coursework at the time of application, are not yet eligible to apply.
  • New applicants as well as those who have applied in previous years, but have not been awarded an academic scholarship from the Foundation, are encouraged to apply.
  • Foundation scholarships are subject to available funds, and are not renewable; a Candidate may only receive a Foundation-awarded academic scholarship one time.
  • Foundation academic scholarships are for mortuary science/funeral service study only.
  • Funding is sent directly to the school; under no circumstances will the Funeral Service Foundation make a payment directly to the student.
  • Funding may be used for tuition, fees, books and supplies.
  • Alternates may be selected in the event that a scholarship recipient decides not to accept the award.
  • The Foundation has no loan programs, vocational grants or assistance for graduate study available.
  • The Funeral Service Foundation will only confirm receipt of completed applications and reserves the right to eliminate from consideration unsigned or incomplete applications without further notice to the applicant.
  • If a student terminates his or her enrollment in the school for any reason, the remaining/unused balance of the scholarship must be returned to the Foundation only, may not be transferred to another school, and may not be paid to the student personally.
  • Serious protracted illness or injury that would delay participation in the program may be considered reason for holding an award in reserve. Time limits and other restrictions may be set by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Other leaves of absence will be considered on an individual basis.
  • All award decisions of The Funeral Service Foundation are final.

ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS FOR VETERANS

CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY TO SERVE

The Funeral Service Foundation, in partnership with the ICCFA Educational Foundation, offers academic scholarships to United States and Canadian military veterans, as part of the Journey to Serve initiative. Offered twice a year, scholarships range from $2,500-$5,000 and are available to military veterans who are 18 years of age or older at the time of application and who are currently enrolled (or accepted into) in an ABFSE-accredited funeral service program.

SUBMISSION CYCLES

Applications Accepted: February 15 – April 1 and September 15 – November 1

Apply Now

Scholarships for Veterans

AVAILABLE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR MILITARY VETERANS

FSF SupportInAction JTS Logo Journey to Serve Scholarship

The $5,000 scholarship, awarded twice a year, is designed to help US and Canadian military veterans continue their call of duty in a funeral service or deathcare career honoring the values revered in every branch of the military: Respect, dedication, and commitment to community.

Eligibility

This scholarship is open to military veterans who are legal residents of the United States or Canada who are eighteen (18) years of age or older at the time of application and who are currently accepted into or currently enrolled in an ABFSE- or Canadian-accredited funeral service program.

Harbeson Website Image Hunter M. Harbeson Memorial Academic Scholarship

The $2,500 scholarship, awarded twice a year, is named in memory Hunter M. Harbeson, who, like generations before him, including his father Jeff “The Funeral Commander” Harbeson, served in the United States military, and continued his journey to serve in a career in funeral service and deathcare.

Learn More About Hunter’s Legacy Pink Arrow

Eligibility

Open to military veterans who are legal residents of the United States who are eighteen (18) years of age or older at the time of application and who are currently accepted into or currently enrolled in an ABFSE-accredited funeral service program.

Donate to the Hunter M. Harbeson Scholarship Fund Pink Arrow

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Essay & Video
Each candidate is required to answer five questions in no more than 250 words per question, and submit a brief video, no longer than two minutes.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

When you submit your application, you’ll also be required to upload:

  • A letter of enrollment or a letter of good standing from an ABFSE- or Canadian accredited institution.
  • Most recent academic transcript.
  • An overview of military service.

Applications Accepted: February 15 – April 1 and September 15 – November 1

Apply Now

  • Online submissions only.
  • Journey to Serve Academic Scholarships are open to military veterans who are legal residents of the United States or Canada who are eighteen (18) years of age or older at the time of application and who are currently accepted into or currently enrolled in an ABFSE-accredited funeral service program.
  • Hunter M. Harbeson Memorial Academic Scholarships are open to military veterans who are legal residents of the United States who are eighteen (18) years of age or older at the time of application and who are currently accepted into or currently enrolled in an ABFSE-accredited funeral service program.
  • Scholarships are offered in partnership between the Funeral Service Foundation and the ICCFA Educational Foundation, as part of the Journey to Serve Initiative.
  • The Funeral Service Foundation offers additional academic scholarships. A candidate may be eligible for, and may apply for, other Funeral Service Foundation academic scholarships, but may only receive one Funeral Service Foundation academic scholarship, regardless of program.
  • Canadian military veterans are eligible to apply for the FSAC (Funeral Service Association of Canada) National Scholarship, which is an academic scholarship available to any registered student attending any recognized Canadian Funeral Service Education program on a full-time basis and in good academic standing.
  • Journey to Serve Academic Scholarship recipients and Hunter M. Harbeson Memorial Academic Scholarship recipients are not eligible to receive additional academic scholarships from the Funeral Service Foundation.
  • The ICCFA Educational Foundation does not offer additional academic scholarships.
  • Students may be eligible for additional professional development scholarships offered by the Funeral Service Foundation, the ICCFA Educational Foundation, and the Funeral Service Association of Canada.
  • Those who have previously applied for, but did not receive, a Funeral Service Foundation academic scholarship are encouraged to apply again.
  • Journey to Serve Academic Scholarships and Hunter M. Harbeson Memorial Academic Scholarships are subject to available funds, and are not renewable.
  • Journey to Serve Academic Scholarships and Hunter M. Harbeson Memorial Academic Scholarships are for mortuary science/funeral service academic study only.
  • Funding is sent directly to the school; under no circumstances will the Funeral Service Foundation or the ICCFA Educational Foundation make a payment directly to the student.
  • Funding may be used for tuition, fees, books, and supplies.
  • Alternates may be selected if a scholarship recipient declines the award.
  • No loan programs, vocational grants or assistance for graduate study are available from the Funeral Service Foundation or the ICCFA Educational Foundation.
  • The Funeral Service Foundation and the ICCFA Educational Foundation will only confirm receipt of completed applications and reserve the right to eliminate from consideration unsigned or incomplete applications without further notice to the applicant.
  • If a student terminates his or her enrollment in the school for any reason, the remaining/unused balance of the scholarship must be returned to the Funeral Service Foundation and the ICCFA Educational Foundation only, and may not be transferred to another school, and may not be paid to the student personally.
  • Serious protracted illness or injury that would delay participation in the program may be considered reason for holding an award in reserve. Time limits and other restrictions may be set by the Funeral Service Foundation and the ICCFA Educational Foundation. Other leaves of absence will be considered on an individual basis.
  • All award decisions of the Funeral Service Foundation and the ICCFA Educational Foundation are final.

2023 ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

Fall Recipients

Joao Pozzi Arcaro

Joao Pozzi Arcaro
Canton, NY
State University of New York at Canton
Joseph E. Hagan Memorial
$2,500

Kayla J. Carpenter

Kayla J. Carpenter
Dallas, TX
Dallas Institute of Funeral Service
Jack Springer Memorial
$2,500

Kyrstal Cousins

Kyrstal Cousins
Winnipeg, MB
Canadian College of Funeral Service
Foundation ’45
$5,000

Emilie Delcorde

Emilie Delcorde
Danvers, MA
North Shore Community College
Foundation ’45
$5,000

Lauren Esdale

Lauren Esdale
Chilliwack, BC
British Columbia Funeral Association
Foundation ’45
$5,000

Payton Fleszar

Payton Fleszar
Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science
Louis and Josephine Pontone Memorial
$2,500

Casandra Free

Casandra Free
Winnipeg, MB
Canadian College of Funeral Service
Memorial Classic
$2,500

Makenzie Hawkes

Makenzie Hawkes
Winnipeg, MB
Canadian College of Funeral Service
Shipley Rose Buckner Memorial
$2,500

Zharia Herring

Zharia Herring
Nashville, TN
John A. Gupton College
Bob Horn
$2,500

Alexandra Kaske

Alexandra Kaske
Toronto, ON
Humber College
Foundation ’45
$5,000

Kaleb LaCanne

Kaleb LaCanne
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Area Community College
Foundation ’45
$5,000

Oscar Monroe

Oscar Monroe
St. Petersburg, FL
St. Petersburg College
Mark Hornibrook Memorial
$2,500

Kyle Nipper

Kyle Nipper
Houston, TX
Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service
FDLIC
$2,500

Samantha Powers

Samantha Powers
Littleton, CO
Arapahoe Community College
Dennis Schoepp Memorial
$5,000

Noel Pratt

Noel Pratt
Chandler, AZ
Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Mark Hornibrook Memorial
$2,500

Isabella Rioux

Isabella Rioux
Danvers, MA
North Shore Community College
Foundation ’45
$5,000

Madeline Rothrock

Madeline Rothrock
Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science
Foundation ’45
$5,000

Parry Roy

Parry Roy
Winnipeg, MB
Canadian College of Funeral Service
Harry Pontone Memorial
$2,500

Mary Katherine Setzer

Mary Katherine Setzer
Fayetteville, NC
Fayetteville Technical Community College
Steve Lang
$2,500

Jim Shackelford

Jim Shackelford
Danvers, MA
North Shore Community College
Steve Mack Memorial
$2,500

Hannah Thompson

Hannah Thompson
Edmond, OK
University of Central Oklahoma
Harry Pontone Memorial
$2,500

Heather Vandegejuchte

Heather Vandegejuchte
Jacksonville, FL
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Foundation ’45
$5,000

Victor Xiong

Victor Xiong
Sacramento, CA
American River College
John Carmon
$2,500

Spring Recipients

Elena Escalona

Elena Escalona
Des Plaines, IL
Worsham College of Mortuary Science
Foundation ’45 Scholarship
$5,000

Rikki Fine

Rikki Fine
Pomona, CA
Cypress College
Foundation ’45 Scholarship
$5,000

Maria Gonko

Maria Gonko
Mendota Heights, MN

Des Moines Area Community College
Foundation ’45 Scholarship
$5,000

Kristen Groves

Kristen Groves
Indianapolis, IN
Worsham College of Mortuary Science
Foundation ’45 Scholarship
$5,000

Samuel Kellerman

Samuel Kellerman
Gatineau, Quebec
Collège Boréal
Foundation ’45 Scholarship
$5,000

Tina Langor

Tina Langor
Hillview, Newfoundland and Labrador
Canadian College of Funeral Service
Foundation ’45 Scholarship
$5,000

Tanina McMorran

Tanina McMorran
Ivoryton, CT
Goodwin University
Foundation ’45 Scholarship
$5,000

Noellemarie Smith

Noellemarie Smith
Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake Community College
Foundation ’45 Scholarship
$5,000

Kassandra DiNardo

Kassandra DiNardo
Woodridge, IL
Worsham College
Bob Horn Scholarship
$2,500

Amy Borazjani

Amy Borazjani
Mustang, OK
University of Central Oklahoma
Dennis Schoepp Memorial Scholarship
$2,500

Tiffany Price

Tiffany Price
Dacula, GA
Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service
FDLIC Scholarship
$2,500

Jordan Pierce

Jordan Pierce
Carbondale, IL
Southern Illinois University
Harry Pontone Memorial Scholarship
$2,500

Harleigh Wildesen

Harleigh Wildesen
Oakland, MD
Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science
Harry Pontone Memorial Scholarship
$2,500

Elizabeth Maycock

Elizabeth Maycock
Sarver, PA
PIMS-Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science
Jack Springer Memorial Scholarship
$2,500

Kristina Olson

Kristina Olson
Abbotsford, BC
Canadian College of Funeral Service
John Carmon Scholarship
$2,500

David Finkbeiner

David Finkbeiner
Marquette, MI
Wayne State University
Joseph E. Hagan Memorial Scholarship
$2,500

Amanda Izquierdo

Amanda Izquierdo
Hialeah, FL
Miami-Dade College North
Louis Pontone Memorial Scholarship
$2,500

Delilah Webster

Delilah Webster
Markham, IL
Worsham College of Mortuary Science
Mark Hornibrook Memorial Scholarship
$2,500

Sonya Timmons

Sonya Timmons
Atlanta, GA
Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service
Mark Hornibrook Memorial Scholarship
$2,500

Mary Mery

Mary Mery
East Rockaway, NY
Nassau Community College
Memorial Classic Scholarship
$2,500

Taryn Goddard

Taryn Goddard
St. Paul, MN
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Shipley Rose Buckner Memorial Scholarship
$2,500

Cheryl Johnson

Cheryl Johnson
Bull Valley, IL
Worsham College of Mortuary Science
Steve Lang Scholarship
$2,500

Gim Hunter

Gim Hunter
Wellington, KS
Arapahoe Community Collage
Steve Mack Memorial Scholarship
$2,500