Scholarships

Scholarships

Empowering the Association Community, One Scholarship at a Time

Welcome to the Association Forum Foundation Scholarship Hub, the catalyst for turning aspirations into achievements. At the heart of our mission lies a commitment to advancing the practice of the association community and providing resources that enhance accessibility for all.

We offer a range of scholarships designed to support bright minds like yours.

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Bree Anne Sutherland Scholarship

The scholarship will grant a young professional (30 years of age or less) unlimited access to Association Forum's education offerings for one year. At the conclusion of the "field" study, the scholar will be responsible for detailing his or her learning experience. The scholarship includes education fees and travel expenses. View Past Recipients

About the Scholarship

  • The scholarship is effective April 1 through March 31 (Association Forum’s fiscal year).
  • The applicant must be a young professional, defined as 30 years of age or less, by March 31, 2024.
  • Should you have any questions, please email foundation@associationforum.org


Eligibility

The scholar must be local to the Chicago association community and will be selected annually by the Association Forum Foundation President & CEO and staff. Applicants must be active and engaged Association Forum members with a commitment to advancing the professional practice of association management.


Applications are currently closed. Please check back in January 2024 to apply for the 2024 scholarship. 

 

Association Forum CAE Scholarship

Designed to help aspiring CAEs at Chicago associations cover the costs associated with acquiring a Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential. Candidates from underrepresented populations in the association management industry are encouraged to apply. Candidates must complete and submit an application and provide a letter of support from their immediate supervisor. All candidates will automatically be considered for both scholarships. The Association Forum’s CAE Working Group will review and select scholarship winners.

About the Scholarship

  • Scholarship Awards up to $1,000.
  • Covers the costs of:
    • The CAE application fee ($500 for ASAE members; $750 for non-ASAE members)
    • Association Forum CAE Study Group registration ($450 for Association Forum Members; $600 for non-Association Forum members)
    • Standard CAE study materials ($0–$350)
  • One scholarship is available per fiscal year.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a CAE scholarship, you must:

  1. Be a current Association Forum member.
  2. Appear to meet the eligibility requirements to apply for the CAE designation.
  3. Demonstrate financial need based on your organizational, not personal finances.

Apply for CAE Scholarship

 

Emerging Leaders Program Scholarship

The Association Forum Foundation is pleased to offer scholarships to cover the full tuition of program enrollment in the Emerging Leaders Program. Travel and other associated expenses are not covered by the scholarship.

About the Scholarship

  • Scholarship Awards up to $1,350.
  • Covers the costs of the Emerging Leaders Program 2024 Cohort #1 from February 6–June 11, 2024.

Eligibility

  1. Applicants must be current Association Forum members.
  2. Current Association Forum officers, directors, staff, and members of the Awards & Recognition Committee are not eligible.
  3. Previous recipients of the Emerging Leaders Scholarship are not eligible.

 

Apply for Emerging Leaders Program Scholarship

 

D. Michael Ferguson Scholarship
Million Dollar Round Table

The Association Forum Foundation annually awards one $1,000 scholarship to contribute towards the registration fee and related expenses to attend the Professional Convention Management Association's annual meeting. This scholarship is named after the late D. Michael Ferguson, who served as former senior director of programs and meetings at the Million Dollar Round Table and is funded by the MDRT Foundation.

ELIGIBILITY:

  • Applicants must be an Association Forum member.
  • Applicants must be employed at Chicago associations in the meeting planning field with a minimum three years of industry experience.
  • Applications will be considered based on financial need and contributions to the field of meeting planning.

 

DATES:

The application for the scholarship is now closed and will reopen in late summer. Should you have any questions, please email foundation@associationforum.org

Learn More

John J. Prast CAE Scholarship
Million Dollar Round Table

This scholarship was established in the name of the Million Dollar Round Table's retired chief executive officer, John J. Prast, CAE. Prast was an association professional for 37 years who was committed to excellence and strongly supported the value of the CAE. The goal of this scholarship is to honor Prast’s contributions to the industry, demonstrate Million Dollar Round Table’s support of both the CAE designation and the Association Forum’s commitment to the designation, and help an aspiring CAE candidate achieve this professional goal. This award covers the cost of the CAE application fee, CAE Study Course registration, and assistance with standard CAE study materials. Current employees of the Million Dollar Roundtable are not eligible for this scholarship. Scholarship Award: up to $1,250.

Eligibility:

To be eligible for a CAE scholarship, you must:

  • Be a current Association Forum member.
  • Appear to meet the eligibility requirements to apply for the CAE designation.
  • Demonstrate financial need based on your organizational, not personal finances.
  • Current employees of the Million Dollar Round Table are not eligible for the John J. Prast but will be considered for all other scholarships offered.

Learn More