School of Public, Nonprofit and Health Administration
Scholarships
Many SPNHA students take advantage of the available scholarships that can help finance a higher education. What follows is information on some of these opportunities. (Note that The Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Robinson Memorial Scholarship, Harry S. Truman Scholarship, the two Government Finance Officers Association Scholarships and Coleman A. Young Scholars Program are not affiliated with SPNHA or GVSU.) For helpful information about scholarships, see www.scholarshiphelp.org
SPNHA Scholarships
For graduate & undergraduate students
Caprice R. Wagner Memorial Scholarship
The Caprice R. Wagner Memorial Scholarship was established by Dawn and Donald Wagner in memory of Caprice R. Wagner. Caprice earned her bachelor's degree from Grand Valley State University in 2007. In 2008 she was pursuing a master's in public administration when she lost a four-month battle to T-cell Lymphoma. Friends and family remember her warm presence, passion for life, and her desire to empower women served by nonprofit organizations. Contributions from friends and family of The Caprice R. Wagner made this scholarship possible.
This scholarship will assist students with financial need who share the values and career goals to which Caprice aspired. She was a firm believer that education is empowering. Ideal candidates will have volunteer, internship or work experience in programs or nonprofit organizations that address women’s issues.
Recipient must be a junior or senior level undergraduate or graduate student enrolled full-time in the School of Public, Nonprofit and Health Administration who make satisfactory academic progress and demonstrate in writing their commitment to empowering women by describing their career goals and experiences working with nonprofit organizations who extend services to women. Candidates need to demonstrate their financial need by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
This scholarship will assist one student each year with a minimum award of $1,500 provided by friends and family of Caprice R. Wagner.
Complete the attached application by April 6 and email to padept@gvsu.edu
Questions contact Sherry Moyer 616-331-6575.
For graduate students only
Joyce F. Hecht Distinguished Scholarship in Philanthropy
The Joyce F. Hecht Distinguished Scholarship in Philanthropy was established in recognition of the contributions of Joyce F. Hecht, the first Director of Development, the founding Executive Director of the Grand Valley State University Foundation, and a gracious and effective ambassador of the university`s needs. The scholarship is a permanent endowed fund in support of university students who aspire to help non-profit organizations in all the ways that Joyce has so capably helped Grand Valley State University. Contributions from members of the GVSU Foundation Board of Trustees, faculty and staff of GVSU and friends of Joyce F. Hecht made this scholarship possible.
This scholarship will provide support for graduate students in the School of Public, Nonprofit & Health Administration who plan to promote and develop philanthropy.
Recipients must be graduate students enrolled full time or part time in the School of Public, Nonprofit and Health Administration who demonstrate in writing their career goals in nonprofit fundraising, and make satisfactory academic progress.
This scholarship will assist one or two students each year with a maximum award of $5,000 provided there are candidates who met the qualification criteria.
Complete the attached application by April 6 and email to padept@gvsu.edu
Questions contact Sherry Moyer 616-331-6575.
Valerie P. Eggert Distinguished Scholarship in Philanthropy
The Valerie P. Eggert Distinguished Scholarship in Philanthropy was established by Valerie P. Eggert, a friend of Grand Valley State University to recognize the vision of her friend Dottie Johnson for advancing philanthropic efforts in West Michigan. Ms Eggert`s passion for education and community advancement is a testament for her involvement in programs like the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy, Grand Forum for Continuing Education, and the Kaufman Interfaith Institute.
This scholarship will provide support for graduate students in the School of Public, Nonprofit & Health Administration who both aspire to study and promote philanthropy, and engage in nonprofit agency fundraising. The scholarship will continue the mission of the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy while promoting career opportunities in nonprofit fundraising.
Recipients must be graduate students enrolled full-time in the School of Public, Nonprofit and Health Administration who demonstrate in writing their career goals in nonprofit fundraising, and make satisfactory academic progress.
This scholarship will assist one or two students each year with a maximum award of $1,200 provided there are candidates who met the qualification criteria.
Complete the attached application by April 6 and email to padept@gvsu.edu
Questions contact Sherry Moyer 616-331-6575.
Kurt F. Kimball Scholarship
The Kurt F. Kimball Scholarship was established by Kurt F. Kimball who is honored for his 22 years of service as the city manager of Grand Rapids. He was the longest serving city manager who worked for Grand Rapids for more than 35 years and has lived here for more than 54 years; during that time, he has mentored many Grand Valley students. In celebration of his retirement, contributions from Kurt`s friends and colleagues made this scholarship possible.
This scholarship will provide support for graduate students in the School of Public, Nonprofit & Health Administration pursuing careers in local government. Kurt Kimball hopes that this scholarship will attract professionals to careers in public management and local government.
Recipients must be graduate students enrolled full-time or part-time (minimum of 3 credits) in the School of Public, Nonprofit and Health Administration who make satisfactory academic progress.
This scholarship will assist one or two students each year with a maximum award of $1,500 provided there are candidates who met the qualification criteria.
Complete the attached application by April 6 and email to padept@gvsu.edu
Questions contact Sherry Moyer 616-331-6575.
For undergraduate students only
Henry and Juanita Dungey Excellence Award
The Henry and Juanita Dungey School of Public and Nonprofit Administration Excellence Award established in May 2004 embodies the essential characteristics of leadership, scholarship, and community service and a commitment to empowering and cultivating young minority leaders of the future.
Henry and Juanita Dungey are honored by their valuable life lessons which demand a rejection of the easy opinion, that embrace great struggles, that demand critical thinking, and that understand the need to bring others along in personal successes. These standards are a part of their insistence of excellence, and their belief that cultivated leadership can be a powerful and hopeful force in the future. Contributions from Henry W. and Sherice Dungey and Kevin Dungey made this scholarship possible.
This scholarship will provide support for Senior undergraduate students in the School of Public, Nonprofit & Health Administration who demonstrate outstanding leadership, record of community service, and a commitment to empowering and cultivating young inner-city leaders for the future.
Recipients must have familial, independent personal residence, or be employed in Kent County. Recipients must be sSenior undergraduate students enrolled full time in the School of Public, Nonprofit and Health Administration who make satisfactory academic progress.
This scholarship will assist one or two students each year with a maximum award of $1,000 provided there are candidates who meet the qualification criteria.
Complete the attached application by April 6 and email to padept@gvsu.edu
Questions contact Sherry Moyer 616-331-6575.
Other Scholarships
For graduate & undergraduate students
The John H. Logie Fellows Program, named for the long-standing mayor of Grand Rapids, offers students at Grand Valley State University an exceptional opportunity to experience and contribute to the operations of Grand Rapids' city government. Please send completed application by October 1 to the Office of the Provost, One Campus Drive -24 JHZ, Allendale, MI 49401 or e-mail to albrechm@gvsu.edu
Robert R. Robinson Memorial Scholarship
The Robert R. Robinson Memorial Scholarship is awarded by the Michigan Township Association to a junior, senior, or graduate student pursuing a degree in public administration or related field at a Michigan college or university. Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis, as determined by applicants' academic achievement, community involvement and commitment to a career in local government administration.
Frank L. Greathouse Government Accounting Scholarship
The Government Finance Officers Association’s Frank L. Greathouse Government Accounting Scholarship of $5,000 is available for award to one or more undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in full-time study preparing for a career in state and local government finance. The winner of the scholarship is invited to attend the GFOA’s annual conference, where the award is presented. This scholarship is funded by the Government Finance Officers Association.
Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship
The Government Finance Officers Association’s Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship of $5,000 is available for award to an upper-division undergraduate or graduate student of public administration, (governmental) accounting, finance, political science, economics, or business administration (with a specific focus on government or nonprofit management). The purpose of the Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship is to recognize outstanding performance by minority students preparing for careers in state and local government finance. The winner of the scholarship is invited to attend the GFOA’s annual conference, where the award is presented.
Grand Rapids Community Foundation Scholarships
Each year The Grand Rapids Community Foundation awards numerous scholarships to Kent County residents. Some select scholarships are also available for Ottawa County residents.
No Worker Left Behind
Students eligible for No Worker Left Behind may seek approval to apply their award toward the MPA, Graduate Certificate in nonprofit leadership or BS/BA in Public and Nonprofit Administration.
GVSU Financial Aid
Undergraduate students can apply for various forms of federal, state and institutional financial aid available through Grand Valley State University's Office of Financial Aid.
Graduate students are also eligible for the federal loan and work-study programs coordinated by Grand Valley State University's Office of Financial Aid. Direct Loans are the primary source of assistance for GVSU graduate students. Graduate students who are independent may borrow up to their cost of education with a combination of subsidized and unsubsidized Direct Loans. (See The Department of Education's William D. Ford Direct Loan Program for details.)
For graduate students only
KCP Future Faculty Fellows Program
Qualified minority MPA applicants who intend to pursue a doctorate at a Michigan postsecondary institution within a year of receiving a master's or begin a full-time teaching career in a Michigan postsecondary institution for a minimum of three years may apply to the The KCP Future Faculty Fellows Program. KCP Scholarships may be received for a maximum of two and a half years. The total award will not exceed $15,000. The scholarship is competitive.
For undergraduate students only
Secchia International Studies
Candidates must be enrolled full time as a degree .seeking student and must participate in an approved for-credit Study abroad program based in Italy that involves overseas study or interning for no fewer than 6 weeks. Must have declared a major in Business or Public & Non-profit Administration or intent to pursue a course of study in Italy that is primarily oriented toward Business or Public Administration. Must have completed at least 14 GVSU credits and have a minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA. For application information, contact the Padnos International Center.
Coleman A. Young Scholars Program
The Coleman Young Foundation Scholars Program awards college scholarships, facilitates Scholars' success, and creates future leadership. CAYF scholarships are for $5,000 per year for four years of college. Thus, the total value of the award is up to $20,000 for the student who completes his or her degree.
The Harry S. Truman Scholarship
The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation awards merit-based scholarships to college students who plan to pursue careers in government , the nonprofit sector or elsewhere in public service, and wish to attend graduate or professional school to help prepare for their careers. Truman Scholars participate in leadership development programs and have special opportunities for internships and employment with the federal government. A nomination for the Truman Scholarship must come from the university. If you think you would be a good candidate, contact your SPNHA advisor.
Other Scholarship & Loan Resources
The following free web-based databases identify sources of scholarships and loans for undergraduate through postgraduate study.
Page last modified April 12, 2012
