Nonprofit Management Scholarships - Best Value Schools

If you're looking to land nonprofit management scholarships, you may be surprised to discover that there are numerous awards available from professional organizations and universities to recognize your kind-hearted spirit for community service.

With nearly 1.3 million nonprofit agencies operating in the United States alone, it's clear that nonprofits play a vital role in our nation's economic, political, and social structures. Instead of making a profit, nonprofits are focused on advancing and advocating a deserving societal cause.

RELATED: Top 10 Cheap Online Master's in Nonprofit Management and Leadership Degree Programs

Below we've highlighted 20 of the best scholarships that can be used by nonprofit management majors to begin leading the 12 million workers employed in the nonprofit sector towards their noble fundraising goals.

1. Corella & Bertram F. Bonner Scholars Program

Deadline: February 26th

Since 1990, the Corella & Bertram F. Bonner Scholars Program has been a catalyst for bringing together a strong team of college students to bring about positive community change through service, research, and action. For receiving up to $17,500 over four years, eligible candidates must be enrolled full-time in one of 74 participating colleges nationwide, carry a minimum overall GPA of 2.5, complete at least eight hours of community service per week, and show a clear professional interest in the nonprofit sector. Along with the monetary funding, scholars are given the valuable opportunity to intern with a nonprofit community partner.

Contact

Corella & Bertram F. Bonner Scholars Program
10 Mercer Street
Princeton, NJ 08540
(609) 924-6663

Scholarship Link

2. Glenn Cheatham Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: April 4th

At Arizona State University, the School of Community Resources & Development has created the Glenn Cheatham Memorial Scholarship in memory of his 20-year career as a professor to provide at least $1,000 to deserving undergraduate students. Eligible candidates must be enrolled full-time in the nonprofit leadership & management program, have at least junior-level status, possess a minimum overall GPA of 3.25, and demonstrate promise in the community service profession. Applications must be accompanied by a current resume, semester schedule, faculty reference letter, and a 500-word cover letter explaining the candidate's career visions.

Contact

Glenn Cheatham Memorial Scholarship
411 North Central Avenue Suite 550
Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 496-0550

Scholarship Link

3. Harry S. Truman Scholars Program

Deadline: February 3rd

As a very competitive national scholarship that receives more than 600 applications annually, the Harry S. Truman Scholars Program has been designed to provide $30,000 merit-based scholarships in federal memorial to our nation's 33rd President for students pursuing a public service-related graduate degree, such as public policy, nonprofit management, public administration, education, or international relations. Applicants must be junior-level students, be enrolled full-time in a four-year accredited U.S. institution, rank in the upper quarter of their class, have U.S. citizenship, and possess an extensive record of community service. Recipients are invited to attend an eight-week Summer Institute program in Washington, DC to meet with policymakers and intern with nonprofit organizations too.

Contact

Harry S. Truman Scholars Program
712 Jackson Place NW
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 395-4831

Scholarship Link

4. Hearst Endowed Fellowship for Minority Students

Deadline: December 5th and March 31st

Within the Aspen Institute's Program on Philanthropy and Social Innovation (PSI), the Hearst Endowed Fellowship for Minority Students is presented annually with a $2,000 stipend for both undergraduate and graduate students of color who have a demonstrated interest in nonprofit organizations, philanthropy, and the social sector. Qualified applicants must have financial need, represent a minority community, possess excellent research skills, have U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, and show academic excellence. Recipients will work as an intern for up to 15 weeks in Washington, DC to help maximize the impact of nonprofit initiatives.

Contact

Hearst Endowed Fellowship for Minority Students
One Dupont Circle NW Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 736-5800

Scholarship Link

5. Institute for Conflict Management Nonprofit Scholarship

Deadline: December 1st

At the Institute for Conflict Management (ICM) at Lipscomb University in Nashville, an annual Nonprofit Scholarship is granted annually to over 100% of tuition costs for members of Middle Tennessee's nonprofit community to complete the graduate certificate in conflict management completely free of charge. Eligible candidates must be currently employed by a CNM-member organization, submit an official college transcript, complete a Lipscomb graduate application, and write a short personal statement describing how conflict managers impact today's nonprofit sector. Recipients can conveniently complete the 15-hour certificate in six months with weekend classes.

Contact

Institute for Conflict Management Nonprofit Scholarship
One University Park Drive
Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 966-1000

6. Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program

Deadline: September 30th

Annually, the Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program is offered through the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) to provide up to $30,000 to Maryland residents who are providing public service in the state's government or nonprofit agencies to serve low-income and underserved populations. Interested nonprofit management graduates must have earned their degree in Maryland, be employed full-time in a nonprofit organization, have outstanding educational loans, and make less than $60,000 each year. Preference will be given to those working for nonprofits in law, nursing, social work, education, physical therapy, speech pathology, and/or occupational therapy.

Contact

Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program
6 North Liberty Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 767-3301

Scholarship Link

7. JCC North America Graduate Education Scholarship

Deadline: February 1st

With the goal of deepening and enhancing the professional knowledge of future Jewish Community Center (JCC) leaders, the JCC North America Graduate Education Scholarship is awarded for up to $10,000 each year for full-time students pursuing graduate studies in nonprofit management, Jewish studies, social work, education, or communal service. Applicants must be enrolled in a master's program, be committed to starting a career of service, display academic achievement, and have community leadership potential. Recipients must agree to work in the JCC Movement for at least two years post-graduation.

Contact

JCC North America Graduate Education Scholarship
520 Eighth Avenue
New York, NY 10018
(212) 532-5114

Scholarship Link

8. Jerry King Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: April 1st and September 1st

Twice each year, the Jerry King Memorial Scholarship is presented for $1,000 through the Project Management Institute Educational Foundation (PMIEF) in honor of the beloved leader who served as the Director of Education and helped the San Diego Chapter thrive. This scholarship program is open to chapter members, certified teachers, non-profit staff, school administrators, and project managers employed less than 40 hours per week who would benefit from enrolling in the PMI REP certification program to better improve project management practices. Preference is given to those residing in California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, and New Mexico.

Contact

Jerry King Memorial Scholarship
14 Campus Blvd.
Newtown Square, PA 19073
(610) 356-4600

Scholarship Link

9. Judith O'Connor Memorial Fund Scholarships

Deadline: Varies

Named in honor of the former president and CEO of BoardSource in 2005, the Judith O'Connor Memorial Fund Scholarships are available for nonprofit management students, nonprofit board members, and nonprofit executives with less than three years of experience to participate in the BoardSource Leadership Forum completely free. Applicants must demonstrate leadership ability, be affiliated with a nonprofit organization with an annual budget under $5 million, have financial need, and be committed to enriching the sector's diversity. Each year, 15 to 20 recipients are chosen to receive free registration and lodging for the conference with one-year BoardSource membership.

Contact

Judith O'Connor Memorial Fund Scholarships
750 9th Street NW Suite 650
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 349-2500

Scholarship Link

10. Mary Stewart Hall Scholarship

Deadline: March 31st

At Seattle University, the Mary Stewart Hall Scholarship is offered through the College of Arts and Sciences to provide $10,000 to an incoming graduate student enrolling full-time in the Master of Nonprofit Leadership (MNPL) program to lead philanthropic initiatives regionally and/or nationally. Eligible candidates must be rising leaders, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5, show a courageous commitment to influencing change in the nonprofit sector, and have a track record of inspiring or organizing others. Applications must include an official transcript, personal leadership statement, and a reference letter from a past supervisor.

Contact

Mary Stewart Hall Scholarship
901 12th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 296-5300

Scholarship Link

11. Mendez Non-Profit Scholarships

Deadline: Ongoing

Each year, the Mendez Non-Profit Scholarships are awarded to declared business majors with an emphasis in non-profit management at an accredited U.S. institution who are enrolled full-time for receiving an undergraduate or graduate degree. With the application, individuals must provide up-to-date university transcripts, at least two reference letters, and a 350-word essay describing their servant leadership activities as well as their long-term professional career goals helping "those who have less." Though there's no imposed deadline, students are asked to allow at least 60 days for their application to be processed and approved or denied.

Contact

Mendez Non-Profit Scholarships
40 Wai'Ohuli Street Suite C
Kihei, HI 96753

Scholarship Link

12. Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship

Deadline: February 20th

Within the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), the Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship is granted for $7,000 each year for African American, American Indian, Hispanic, Hawaiian, Asian, Alaska Native, Pacific Islander, and Latino students who are pursuing a degree in finance, business, or accounting with a specific focus on government or nonprofit management. Candidates must be at least junior-level undergraduates, be U.S. or Canadian citizens, and have career goals in the finance of the public or nonprofit sector. Selection will be based on academic records, work experience, financial coursework, recommendations, and future proposed plans.

Contact

Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship
203 North LaSalle Street Suite 2700
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 977-9700 ext. 2273

Scholarship Link

13. Nancy and Edward Stavis Endowed Scholarship

Deadline: March 1st

In the amount of $10,000, the Nancy and Edward Stavis Endowed Scholarship is presented annually through the Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University to an extraordinary graduate business student enrolling at least part-time in the MBA for Nonprofit Management degree program. Qualified candidates should exhibit a clear commitment to social justice, be planning a management career in community-based organizations, and have made significant contributions towards building peace. Recipients will be chosen based on their work experience, statement of purpose, academic achievement, and career objectives.

Contact

Nancy and Edward Stavis Endowed Scholarship
415 South Street Suite 035
Waltham, MA 02454
(781) 736-2732

Scholarship Link

14. Nina Waters Nonprofit Leadership Scholarship

Deadline: June 1st

At the University of North Florida (UNF), the Nina Waters Nonprofit Leadership Scholarship was created to provide full-tuition awards annually to students currently employed by a nonprofit organization in Northeast Florida for completing the university's MPA program with a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management. To qualify, candidates must be approved for admissions, have spent the past year working in a paid nonprofit staff position, enroll in at least three credit hours per semester, and agree to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applications must include a current resume, two letters of recommendation, and a two-page essay discussing their commitment to the nonprofit sector.

Contact

Nina Waters Nonprofit Leadership Scholarship
1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224
(904) 620-1388

Scholarship Link

15. Non-Profit Arts Management Training Scholarship

Deadline: April 1st

Through the Vermont Arts Council (VAC), the Non-Profit Arts Management Training Scholarship is awarded for $500 each trimester for up to four Vermont artists and art managers who are interested in pursuing the Master of Science in Managing Mission Driven Organizations and/or the Certificate in Nonprofit Management at Marlboro College. Eligible applicants must be currently employed in Vermont's cultural sector, seek to further develop the skills needed to run a successful nonprofit organization, have already earned an accredited bachelor's degree, and show outstanding potential for leadership within the creative arts economy.

Contact

Non-Profit Arts Management Training Scholarship
136 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05633
(802) 828-5422

Scholarship Link

16. Nonprofit Professional Merit Scholarship

Deadline: February 20th

As a matching scholarship awarded through Antioch University in Los Angeles, the Nonprofit Professional Merit Scholarship can be used to reduce tuition by up to $7,500 throughout the entire duration of full-time enrollment in the Master of Arts (MA) in Nonprofit Management program offered here. Interested applicants must submit a scholarship application with a two-page typewritten essay that addresses how they plan to make a positive difference as a professional in today's nonprofit community. Selection will be strongly based on applicants' quality of writing, strength of arguments, undergraduate preparation, work/volunteer experience with nonprofit organizations, and letters of recommendation.

Contact

Nonprofit Professional Merit Scholarship
400 Corporate Pointe
Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 578-1080

Scholarship Link

17. Samuel Huntington Public Service Award

Deadline: January 19th

Established by National Grid in honor of the former CEO of the New England Electric System who was deeply interested in providing public service, the Samuel Huntington Public Service Award is presented each year for $15,000 to graduating college seniors who are pursuing at least one full year of public service at a nonprofit agency anywhere in the world. With the application, applicants must submit a brief project proposal with measurable target objectives, specific task schedules, budgeting plans, and three letters of support. Preference will be given to students who will be proceeding into graduate school to further leadership potential in service.

Contact

Samuel Huntington Public Service Award
40 Sylvan Road
Waltham, MA 02451
(781) 907-3358

Scholarship Link

18. Senator Robert J. Dole Public Service Scholarship

Deadline: April 3rd

Administered by Scholarship America, the Senator Robert J. Dole Public Service Scholarship has been designed to award up to 30 awards for $1,000 apiece to students in each of Kansas' four Congressional Districts who demonstrate outstanding involvement in volunteer community service with government and/or nonprofit agencies. Applicants must be graduating from a Kansas high school, plan to enroll full-time in an undergraduate in-state program, carry a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and be pursuing a career for serving others. Interested nonprofit management students must submit an application with a current high school transcript and one letter of recommendation.

Contact

Senator Robert J. Dole Public Service Scholarship
One Scholarship Way
Saint Peter, MN 56082
(507) 931-1682

19. William E. Simon Fellowship for Noble Purpose

Deadline: January 17th

Ideal for students majoring in nonprofit management, the William E. Simon Fellowship for Noble Purpose is provided annually through the Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI) for $10,000, $20,000, and $40,000 apiece to graduating college seniors committed to engaging directly in the civic life of their community. Preference will be given to graduates who demonstrate passion, dedication, perseverance, originality, and a high capacity of ambition for strengthening our nation's societies. This scholarship can be used to fund nonprofit service projects, create opportunity for others, or advance education to the graduate level.

Contact

William E. Simon Fellowship for Noble Purpose
3901 Centerville Road
Wilmington, DE 19807
(302) 652-4600

Scholarship Link

Pursuing a degree in nonprofit management is the perfect fit for students seeking to serve as catalysts for nonprofit organizations looking to improve the human condition. However, rising tuition prices can make earning your undergraduate or graduate degree expensive, even with the assistance of your university's financial aid. If you need to overcome financial challenges to jumpstart your career of service to mankind, then it's highly advised that you apply to some of these great nonprofit management scholarships for extra funding.