Outside Funding Opportunities

Religious-Tradition-Specific Funding Opportunities

Scholarships are listed alphabetically by the name of the sponsoring organization. Unless otherwise noted, please submit applications for funding directly to the sponsoring organization.

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Educational Grant Program

Members of ELCA congregations who are enrolled in a doctoral program for advanced theological study may apply directly to the ELCA for financial aid through the ELCA Educational Grant Program. Grants are given to PhD, ThD, and EdD candidates in theological study appropriate to seminary teaching. The program is open to both lay and ordained ELCA members.

Fund for Nurturing Unitarian Universalist Scholarship

The Panel on Theological Education of the Unitarian Universalist Association is receiving applications for grants up to $25,000 from Unitarian Universalist scholars who are committed to strengthening the UU movement through research and publication, excellence in teaching, and educational leadership.

John Haynes Holmes Memorial Fellowships (Unitarian Universalist)

John Haynes Holmes Memorial Fellowships (of up to $2500) are awarded yearly to seminary students aspiring to the Unitarian Universalist parish or religious education ministry by a committee of the Community Church of New York. To obtain application materials, contact the Community Church of New York, 40 East 35th Street, New York, New York 10016. Phone: 212.683.4988; email: info@ccny.org.

Justin Haruyama Ministerial Scholarship

The Justin Haruyama Ministerial Scholarship was established in memory of the Rev. Justin Haruyama of the Japanese America United Church (JAUC). The mission of the Haruyama Scholarship is to support Japanese or Japanese-American students who are in the master of divinity program or other ministerial preparation programs and are considering becoming ordained pastors or missionaries to serve Japanese or Japanese-American churches. For details, please visit the JAUC website.

Northern Baptist Education Society

The Northern Baptist Education Society is seeking American Baptist students who are enrolled in a master of divinity program or similar program preparing them for full-time Christian ministry. Students interested in applying for the scholarship should pick up the application form from Julie Field in the HDS Office of Financial Aid. Students must have a letter of support/endorsement from their home church on file with the society.

W. B. Small Trust

The W. B. Small Trust scholarship is offered to a full-time Christian student working on a master of divinity degree at an accredited seminary who has a strong Iowa connection and a goal of ordained ministry. The scholarship is $2,500 per year (renewable up to a three-year total) and is awarded on both merit and financial need. If you are interested in applying, please visit the Office of Financial Aid to pick up a copy of the application. For further information contact Joan M. Youngblut at joblut@mchsi.com.

World Council of Churches

The World Council of Churches provides scholarship assistance to study abroad for candidates recommended by churches and church-related organizations. Applicants should have a college degree as well as several years of work experience. Nominated candidates must commit to returning to their home country upon completion of study to take up the task for which the training was requested. Scholarships are normally provided for periods between three months and two years.