Nashotah House is committed to making seminary education affordable for the Christian leaders of tomorrow. Institutional financial aid is directed towards residential programs, as distance education allows students to continue working while enrolled.
Nashotah House will match 100% of funds raised by degree-seeking students from institutional sources up to 30% of his or her total tuition. Institutional support must come from an organization – such as a parish, diocese, or employer – rather than individuals. Nashotah House is eager to support students in their fundraising and donor relations efforts. Examples of newsletters, thank you letters, and presentations made by past seminarians will be provided on request. If you are a current or prospective student with questions about how this scholarship applies to your particular situation, please contact Fr. Jason Terhune at jterhune@nashotah.edu.
Effective with the Fall 2022 term, all incoming residential students that request Nashotah House support will receive an award of 20% of his or her total tuition.
Work Scholarships are assigned based on suitable aptitude and attitude and require the student to maintain a clear academic standing. Approximately two dozen on-campus Work Scholarship positions are available to residential students each year. These include:
Need-based scholarships are based on a student's current financial situation as disclosed through FAFSA and are applied after other scholarship and financial support options, such as parish and diocesan funds, have been explored. Nashotah House thanks the generous supporters of our scholarship funds for this opportunity to ease the debt loads of those preparing for lay and ordained ministry.
Numerous groups have scholarship funds to support theological education. A selected list is below. Students are encouraged to apply even for scholarships for which they are not explicitly eligible: many organizations fail to attract many applications and have excess funds to distribute.
Over our 180-year history, friends of Nashotah House have set up named scholarship funds to support students. Many of these funds are awarded to students on the recommendation of the Dean.
Scholarships |
Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
Acton Institute Academic Grants & Awards |
Merit-based scholarships and research grants for future scholars and religious leaders whose academic work shows outstanding potential. Applicants must show strong academic performance in theology, philosophy, economics, or related fields, and must demonstrate the potential to advance understanding in the relationship between theology and the principles of the free and virtuous society. Awards are open to all qualified persons irrespective of race, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, citizenship, religious affiliation, or disability. | Learn more and apply |
Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Foundation |
Applicants must demonstrate academic achievement or financial need, and community service and involvement. Both fellowships and scholarships are available. | Learn more and apply |
Alvera Mickelson Memorial Scholarship – Christians for Biblical Equality, International |
The scholarship is designed to provide financial tuition assistance to women who are pursuing a master’s degree in a ministry field related to preaching, communications, writing, youth ministry, pastoral work, or nonprofit work. | Learn more and apply |
American Association of University Women (AAUW) Career Development Grant |
Career Development Grants provide funding to women who hold a bachelor’s degree and are preparing to advance or change careers or re-enter the workforce in education, health and medical sciences, or social sciences. Primary consideration is given to women of color and women pursuing their first advanced degree or credentials in nontraditional fields. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents whose last degree was received before June 30, 2014. Funds are available for tuition, fees, books, supplies, local transportation and dependent care. | Learn more and apply |
Anne Kumpuris Scholarship – St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Little Rock, AK |
The Anne Kumpuris Scholarship was established for theological education in memory of Anne Kumpuris, who died August 4, 1997. Applicants must be entering their third year of enrollment in an accredited Episcopal Seminary in the United States, and he or she should be seeking Holy Orders in the Episcopal Church of the United States of America or in one of the sister churches in the Anglican Communion. As one seeking Holy Orders through the ordination process, the applicant must have a sponsoring diocese from the Anglican Communion. | Learn more and apply |
B.J. Runnels Dean Scholarship Fund – The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee |
Applicants must be female residents of Tennessee or Texas and entering the field of ministry. B.J. Runnels Dean touched thousands of lives through her service to churches and Baptist state conventions throughout the United States as a consultant, teacher, writer, chorister, and minister. B.J. was keenly interested in advancing the cause of women in ministry, and the intention of this Scholarship Fund, established by Myrte Veach and the many friends of B.J. Dean, is to endow one or more interdenominational scholarships for women entering the ministry. | Learn more and apply |
Bena Dial Scholarship – Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese of Upper South Carolina |
The Bena Dial Student Fund, established in 1926 in honor of Mrs. George Dial, is open to active Episcopalian residents of the Diocese of Upper South Carolina, who will attend, full time, an accredited vocational school, college or graduate school. | Learn more and apply |
Bishop Allin Lay Scholarships – The Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi |
Scholarships for the continuing Christian education of laity in the Diocese of Mississippi. | Learn more and apply |
The Champions for Christ Foundation Scholarship |
Champions for Christ Foundation, Inc has been granting scholarships for over 27 years to students that are committed to go into full-time Christian service. | Learn more and apply |
Chaplain Samuel Grover Powell Scholarship – United Methodist Higher Education Foundation |
This scholarship provides financial assistance to students preparing for chaplaincy in any branch of the military. Applicants must be enrolled at an accredited theological seminary, be in either their middle or senior year, and be involved in the Chaplain Candidate (Seminarian) Program or serving a military reserve component after having completed an active duty tour in one of the United States armed forces. Preference is given to students in their senior year who plan to serve in the United States Air Force, however, persons preparing for chaplaincy in any branch of the military will be considered. | Learn more and apply |
Dora Maclellan Brown Ministry Scholarships – The Generosity Trust |
Scholarships are available to theologically and Biblically conservative students who are residents of taking classes or completing master’s degrees (no doctoral candidates) at a theological seminary, Bible College, or a seminary-like program at graduate school. This scholarship is for students who seek to work full or part-time in vocational Christian services. This includes pastoral ministry, Biblical counseling, international missions, and other similar outreaches. The student should call Chattanooga, TN home (see guidelines on the website for a more in-depth description of this geographical restriction). | Learn more and apply |
E. Craig Brandenberg Scholarship –
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Designated for applicants over age 35 who are pursuing a degree at any level. Preference is given to students changing to a second career in ministry. | Learn more and apply |
Episcopal Church Foundation Fellowships |
The Fellows program is meant for emerging scholar and ministry leaders who are fostering innovation in theological formation and ministerial leadership in challenging times. The Academic track is geared toward individuals pursuing a PhD, though some DMin projects may meet requirements. The Ministry track is more flexible but is perfect for individuals who are engaged in innovative ministries at the community or congregational level, lay or ordained. | Learn more and apply |
Episcopal Church Foundation – Seminary Debt Reduction Grants |
You are eligible to apply for this grant if you attended one of the Church Pension Group/Episcopal Church Foundation’s Success After Seminary virtual or regional meetings in 2021 OR if you are a current participant in Gathering of Leaders* The grants must be used to make loan payments above and beyond the normal repayment/amortization schedule (i.e., principal) and will be awarded on the basis of financial need and the demonstrated capacity to manage debt, handle day-to-day finances and plan for the future. | Learn more and apply |
The Episcopal Church – Scholarships |
There are over forty scholarships which are derived from annual income of designated trust funds established by generous donors through bequests to The Episcopal Church. A number of these scholarships are designated for students enrolled in theological education and training. Others provide modest scholarships for children of missionaries, bishops or clergy, as well as other groups covering a wide range of eligibility. Applicants are strongly encouraged to read each trust and identify in the application those trust funds that best fit their own profile. A scholarship applicant must be an Episcopalian and must have the endorsement of his or her bishop. | Learn more and apply |
Estelle Beaumont Ellison Individual Education Scholarship –
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The perpetual scholarship fund endowed by Estelle Beaumont Ellison is an expression of her faith in Jesus Christ as her Lord, in Christ Episcopal Church in its mission as God’s Church in this world, and in the potential of young Christian men and women. Scholarships will be awarded in two categories, those of Individual Seminary Scholarships, and Individual Educational Scholarships. To be eligible for a scholarship, a student must be a full-time student, of good moral character, exhibit academic excellence (based on the ability of each student), evidence financial need, and regularly participate in a Christian church. Applicants are not required to be a member of Christ Episcopal Church, however, if an applicant is not a member, a reference from a member is required. All applicants must also be residents of the greater San Antonio area. | Learn more and apply |
Franks Foundation Scholarship – Oregon Student Assistance Commission |
This scholarship was created to provide financial assistance for the study of nursing or theology to residents of designated counties in Oregon. Applicants must have a college GPA of 2.0 or higher and plan to major in nursing or theology at the undergraduate or graduate level. | Learn more and apply |
George Mercer Jr Memorial Scholarship Fund |
The George Mercer Jr. Memorial Scholarships are designed to assist worthy or deserving students in being educated for the sacred ministry in accredited seminaries of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America, and in the George Mercer Jr. Memorial School of Theology. A student’s application must be submitted through the Office of Financial Aid to the Mercer Scholarship Committee, 36 Cathedral Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530, with the right of renewal. Applications will be made available in the Fall. | No Link Available |
Hispanic Scholarship Fund |
HSF awards more than $30 million in Scholarships annually. Applicants must be of Hispanic heritage; a U.S. citizen, permanent legal resident, or DACA recipient; have a minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) for college or graduate students; plan to enroll full-time in an accredited public or not-for-profit four-year university or graduate school in the US; Submit the FAFSA, or state-based financial aid forms (if applicable). | Learn more and apply |
Holy Trinity Centennial Scholarship – Holy Trinity Episcopal Parish, Decatur, GA |
The sole function of the Trust is to provide scholarship aid to persons actively involved in or committed to future participation in the ministry of the Episcopal Church or the Anglican Communion. For example, the Trust might help an applicant initiate, develop, or complete a program of study through an educational institution, seminar, or certification program. Funds granted could be used for registration, books, tuition, or fees. | Learn more and apply |
Irene S. Wischer Education Foundation Scholarship – Frost Bank |
The Irene S. Wischer Education Foundation Scholarship is a renewable scholarship award, and the value is based on the applicant’s demonstrated financial need. To apply for a scholarship, you must be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student, or part- or full-time graduate student, be a citizen of the United States of America, be a legal resident of the state of Texas for 12 consecutive months prior to application submission, be a person of good character: per Mrs. Wischer’s instructions, preference will be given to “applicants who are Christians and attend church regularly,” demonstrate academic potential and ability (not merely academic performance), demonstrate financial need, and be enrolled in a not-for-profit school. This scholarship is not available to students planning to attend a for-profit university or trade school. Trade schools shall only be eligible to the extent the student will receive a degree, certification or designation which will qualify the student for a job in the area of study. | Learn more and apply |
J. Milton Richardson Theological Fellowship – Alpha Tau Omega Foundation |
The Fellowship was established in 1981 to honor J. Milton Richardson who served as ATO’s spiritual advisor for nearly four decades. The Scholarship is awarded to an ATO who plans to attend, or is enrolled in, an accredited graduate school in theology or the seminary with the plans to become a member of the clergy. | Learn more and apply |
Julie Ann Jones Memorial Theological Scholarship |
This scholarship is meant to provide financial assistance to residents of Texas working on a degree in a field of ministerial study. Preference is given to residents of Washington County, TX, but all Texans may apply. Applicants should be studying in any field of ministry, including sacred music and theological research.
Julie Ann Jones Memorial Theological Scholarship Trust |
No Link Available |
Juliette M. Atherton Scholarship – Hawaii’s Community Foundation |
This scholarship is designed to provide financial assistance for college or graduate school to Protestants who are ministers, the dependents of ministers in Hawai’i, or students preparing for the ministry. Applicants must be residents of the state of Hawai’i, able to demonstrate financial need, interested in attending an accredited college or university full-time, and able to demonstrate academic achievement (GPA of 2.7 or higher). Students may attend university or college in Hawai’i or on the mainland | Learn more and apply |
Knights Templar Educational Foundation |
The Knights Templar Educational Foundation Committee considers all applications for scholarships, without regard to age, race, religion, National origin, gender, Masonic ties or affiliations. These scholarships are not “grants in aid”, but are open to all students regardless of their financial circumstances. | Learn more and apply |
Lex Matthews Scholarships for Women – Episcopal Church Women in North Carolina |
The Diocesan ECW administers and helps fund the Lex Mathews Scholarship program, named for the Rev. Lex Mathews who advocated for women’s issues and headed Christian Social Ministries for the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina before his death in 1985. The scholarships are geared to women of the diocese, age 23 and older, who are seeking either a specialized training in vocational or technical skills, a degree or certification below the masters or doctorate level, or continuing education courses for upgrading job skills. While preference is given to Episcopalians, non-Episcopalians may apply so long as they are sponsored by a member of an Episcopal church. The amount awarded each year depends upon how the selection committee evaluates each application as well as the financial interest generated by the scholarship fund. |
Learn more and apply |
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation |
Scholarships for sons and daughters of current or former Marine Corps Members or Marine Reservists. | Learn more and apply |
Mary E. Bivins Foundation Religious Scholarship |
The purpose of the Scholarship Program is to educate ministers to preach the Christian religion. Scholarships are provided for upper-level undergraduate or graduate education that will lead to a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in a field that prepares the student to preach the Christian religion. Individuals who intend to serve as a pulpit preacher/pastor upon graduation will be given precedence. Applicants must be a citizen of the United States of America and a permanent resident of the northernmost 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle. | Learn more and apply |
Masters Fund – Order of the Daughters of the King |
The Master’s Fund was established to provide financial assistance to women and girls for ministry-related education with an emphasis on the intended church-related career of the applicant. Master’s Fund scholarships (intended for advanced degree education) will be limited to communicants of the Episcopal Church, of churches in communion with the Episcopal Church, of churches in communion with the Episcopal Church, or of churches with the Historic Episcopate but not in communion with it. Master’s Fund grants for continuing education (intended for ministry course work) are limited to members of The Order of the Daughters of the King®. | Learn more and apply |
Military Chaplains Association Chaplain Candidate Scholarship |
Each year, the MCA provides financial assistance to several seminary students who are currently serving as chaplain candidates in the Air Force, Army, or Navy. Applicants must be enrolled full-time in an accredited seminary, have received ecclesiastical endorsement for service as a military chaplain, and be enrolled in the chaplain candidate program. | Learn more and apply |
Muriel Mount joy Miller Hart Trust Awards |
The Muriel Mount joy Miller Hart Trust was founded to provide financial assistance to “worthy and needy young men” interested in preparing for the Episcopal priesthood.
Muriel Mountjoy Miller Hart Trust |
No Link Available |
National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program |
The National Federation of the Blind’s annual scholarship program is the largest of its kind in the nation. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. Applicants must be legally blind in both eyes; a resident of the U.S. or Puerto Rico; pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time, post-secondary course of study in a degree program at a U.S. institution in the fall of the year of application; and scholarship recipients must participate in the entire NFB National Convention and in all of its scheduled scholarship program activities (finalists will receive assistance to attend the national convention). | Learn more and apply |
Ridley Foundation Grants – The Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia |
Through the great generosity and charity of Miss Roberta Ridley, an endowed trust was established many years ago to provide financial support for continuing education for qualified members of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Southern Virginia and for residents of Southampton County and the City of Franklin. Students must be accepted at an accredited college or university and be pursuing a full-time degree program. Although the guidelines focus on undergraduate education, there have been instances, when funds are available, where seminarians have received scholarships. | Learn more and apply |
Roothbert Fund |
Albert and Toni Roothbert established the Roothbert Fund to assist those in need of financial aid to further their education. Based in New York City, the Roothbert Fund operates as a volunteer organization. Through scholarship, The Fund supports fellows’ graduate or undergraduate study at an accredited institution based in the United States. The Fund seeks candidates motivated by spiritual values. Preference is given to graduate students and undergraduates with one year of college completed, and to candidates who reside in or attend schools in these states: Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia. | Learn more and apply |
Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Scholarships |
For many years, the Supreme Council has provided national scholarships to deserving students who are affiliated with a Masonic organization, especially the Scottish Rite of Freemasons. To ensure that future deserving students receive our scholarship support, the Development Office—through the Scottish Rite Foundation, Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A., Inc., offers both named one-year/one-time scholarships, and named endowed scholarships. Please visit the website for more information about the types of scholarships offered, and for the application requirements and process. | Learn more and apply |
Scudder Association Educational Grant |
The Scudder Association Foundation is founded on promoting and supporting the spirit of service. While a great deal of that service has been abroad, the education and training has long been encouraged and facilitated here by the Foundation. The Scudder Association Foundation has established funds specifically to provide scholarships for those seeking careers in Medicine, Social Services, and Spiritual Guidance. | Learn more and apply |
SEWEC Scholarship – Southeastern Wisconsin Educational Consortium |
The goal of SEWEC is to help adult students realize their options for higher education in Southeast Wisconsin at member institutions. Applicants must be at least 24 years of age. Scholarship award is contingent upon being admitted as a new student to an undergraduate or graduate degree program at a SEWEC member institution. | Learn more and apply |
Shepherds for the Savior Ministry Education Grant |
Shepherds for the Savior is a private foundation whose mission is to help support the spiritual and financial needs of Christian ministries and individuals worldwide through our various grant programs. | Learn more and apply |
Society for the Increase of the Ministry Scholarships |
The Society for the Increase of the Ministry (SIM) is an independent non-profit established to identify future ordained leadership and develop their gifts through merit-based and need-based educational scholarships. SIM is the only organization raising funds nationally for all Episcopal Church students, regardless of the seminary they choose. Scholarships are open to those pursuing a theological education for these orders of ministry: the diaconate, the presbyterate and calls to ministry as a member of the order of the laity. Theological education may be pursued in Episcopal seminaries, in university divinity schools and in diocesan schools for ministry. | Learn more and apply |
Student Ministry Scholarship – International Order of the King’s Sons and Daughters |
The International Order of The King’s Daughters and Sons believes in investing in the future leaders of the Christian church. Since 1970, IOKDS has awarded over 1,350 scholarships for students studying for the Master of Divinity degree. Applicants must be a United States or Canadian citizen, a full-time graduate student attending a school or seminary accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the US or Canada, maintain a B grade average or better for all undergraduate and graduate courses, and students in good standing may apply for scholarship renewal. | Learn more and apply |
T. James Fernley, III Scholarship – The Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania |
T. James Fernley, III (1947-1974) was a seminarian at what is now known as Episcopal Divinity School (“EDS”). Following the untimely death of Jim Fernley on June 7, 1974, his family and friends established a memorial fund for seminary students. The scholarship is awarded to two full-time seminary students going into their senior year of study with the intention of being ordained. Applicants must be from the Diocese of Pennsylvania. | Learn more and apply |
Veda Sweeney Christian Ministry Scholarship – The School District of Reedsburg, WI |
This scholarship will help support the training of a Wisconsin resident who is preparing for the Christian ministry. | Learn more and apply |
Vera Gang Scott Scholarships – Episcopal Church Women, Diocese of Texas |
Women in good standing at their churches, and who are seeking certification or higher education at recognized institutions, are eligible to apply for the Vera Gang Scott Scholarship from Episcopal Church Women. | Learn more and apply |
W.B. Small Trust Scholarships |
Each year, the W.B. Small Trust awards up to 18 scholarships to seminary students who have lived or currently live in Iowa. These students must be pursuing an Mdiv degree which leads to ordination. | Learn more and apply |
Walter S. Barr Fellowships – The Horace Smith Fund |
The Horace Smith Fund was established to help deserving students finance their education, and is available to local students who are graduates of Hampden County, Massachusetts secondary schools. Fellowship applicants must be residents of Hampden County or qualified former residents. | Learn more and apply |
