Scholarships

Scholarships

2025 Scholarship Applications Are Closed.

Thank you to everyone who applied for a scholarship. Award notifications will be shared in May.

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. 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, 2025.
  • Should you have any questions, please email foundation@associationforum.org


Eligibility

  1. The scholar must be local to the Chicago association community.
  2. Applicants must be active and engaged Association Forum members with a commitment to advancing the professional practice of association management.
  3. Association Forum officers, directors, staff, and current members of the Awards & Recognition Committee are not eligible.

Apply for Bree Anne Sutherland 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. 

About the Scholarship

  • Scholarship Award 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
    • 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.
  4. Association Forum officers, directors, staff, and current members of the Awards & Scholarship Committee are not eligible.

 

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 $1,425.
  • Covers the costs of the Emerging Leaders Program (July-October 2025).

Eligibility

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

 

Apply for Emerging Leaders Program Scholarship