Financial Aid

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Where are you? Home | Financial Aid | Jacksonville | Funding from Other Sources

Funding from Other Sources - Jacksonville

Gordon-Conwell students receive scholarships and grants from a number of foundations and organizations. Awards can depend on denomination, undergraduate school affiliation, scholastic ability, previous vocation, etc. Students should make themselves aware of other sources through inquiries to denominational headquarters, churches, libraries, etc. Look into all possibilities in this area before you begin seminary. Local libraries may have resources materials to assist you. The information listed below may change without notice, please contact the scholarship/grant organization for the latest updates.

Scholarship Search
Denominational Scholarships

THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCH (ABC) DENOMINATIONAL FUND
(Individual Seminarian Grants)
American Baptist students attending a seminary not related to American Baptist Churches USA are eligible for grants in the amounts of $750.00. Applicants must be enrolled at least two-thirds time in one of the following first professional degree programs: M.Div., M.A.C.E., M.R.E. (D.Min. students are not eligible). Applicant must be a member of an American Baptist church for at least one year before applying for aid. Application deadline is May 31. Contact for information and application:

Financial Aid Office, Educational Ministries
American Baptist Churches USA
P.O. Box 851
Valley Forge, PA 19481-0851
Phone: (800) ABC-3USA
Fax: (610) 768-2056
Website: www.abc-em.org

THE BERKSHIRE CHRISTIAN SCHOLARSHIP
(The Center for Advent Christian Studies)
Under the partnership with Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, scholarships ranging up to one-half tuition per student are made available to qualified individuals willing to serve within the Advent Christian denomination. The Berkshire Christian College Advisory Group in consolation with the financial aid office of the seminary makes selection of scholarship recipients. Applicants must have a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited undergraduate intuition, with a grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. D.Min and Th.M. applicants must have a M.Div. degree or its equivalent, with a grade point average of at least 3.0t on a 4.0 scale. Qualified students not wishing to enter a specific degree program may apply as special students. Early application is advisable to reserve aid for the next term of study. Contact for information and application: 

Dr. Gordon Isaac
The Center for Advent Christian Studies
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
130 Essex St. Box 239
South Hamilton, MA 01982
Phone: (978) 468-7111, ext. 536
Fax: (978) 468-6691
E-mail: gisaac@gcts.edu

CONGREGATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR THEOLOGICAL STUDIES (CFTS)
CFTS provides grants, loans and scholarships to students who are preparing for ministry in Congregational Churches. Applicant must have a bachelor's degree with a cumulative grade point average of not less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicant must provide transcripts from all colleges, universities and seminaries attended. Applicant must pursue a Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent. Applicant must provide certification of church membership in an NACCC member church and provide a letter of recommendation and sponsorship from the church of which you are a member. Applicant must provide a recent photograph and have a personal interview with the Admissions Committee of the CFTS Board of Directors. Applicant must enroll in classes a minimum of half time and complete your degree requirements in five years or less. Contact for information and application:

National Association of Congregational Christian Churches,
8473 South Howell Ave.
P.O. Box 288
Oak Creek, WI 53154-0620
Voice: (414) 764-1620
Fax: (414) 764-0319
Email: naccc@naccc.org
Website:  www.naccc.org/CFTS/PurposeAndHistory

CONSERVATIVE CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
www.ccccusa.com/resources/applications-forms/

COOPERATIVE BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP OF SOUTH CAROLINA
SC/CBF offer assistance to students engaged in theological education. This is done through financial support of seven institutions. Support is also offered to students at other seminaries not directly supported by the SC/CBF. All Interested students need to apply. Contact and application information:

Phone: (803) 779-1888
Website: www.cbfofsc.org

COOPERATIVE BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP AT-LARGE SCHOLARSHIP
www.thefellowship.info/schools

CRAIG HOLBROOK PARHAM SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Grants range from $250 to $1000 per recipient and are paid on a per semester basis. Recipients are chosen on the basis of need, those of Baptist faith, those with promising academic achievement and generally connections with upper South Carolina or the State of South Carolina. Members of FBC, Greenwood are given first preference. Application deadline is April 30 and awardees are notified as to their scholarship support in June or July. (Usually 15 out of 75 applicants receive awards each year.) Contact for information and application:

Craig Holbrook Parham
First Baptist Church
722 Grace Street
Greenwood, SC 29649
Phone: 864-229-5557
Fax: 864-229-2561
E-mail: fbcgwd@greenwood.net
Website: www.fbcgwd.com/gfbc_sponsored_scholarships

GEORIGA HARKNESS SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
This scholarship is to encourage women over 35 to prepare for ordained ministry as an Elder in the United Methodist Church as a second career and may be applied toward tuition, fees, room and board for the basic seminary degree leading to Elder's ordination. The award is not available for undergraduate, D.Min., or Ph.D. work. Applicants must be women over 35 who have received a Bachelor of Arts or equivalent degree, are enrolled in an accredited school of theology and who are currently certified as candidates for ordained ministry’s an Elder in the United Methodist Church. Grants of $5,000 each will be awarded following fall registration of the year, the grant is made through the following summer. Deadline for receipt of application and all documents is March 1. Awards will be announced on or before June 30. Contact for information and applications: www.gbhem.org

GERTRUDE MCDARIS RUSKIN AND SIDNEY H. RUSKIN SCHOLARSHIP FUND
GCTS-Charlotte only
Applicants must be residents of one of three counties in North Carolina (Buncombe, Haywood, or Madison) or should reside on the Cherokee Indian Reservation in Swain & Jackson Counties. Applicant must be of the Baptist, Methodist, or Presbyterian faith. Applicants must be of the: Cherokee Indian descent; or Anglo-Saxon descent and have ancestors who resided in one of the original 13 colonies at the time of the Revolutionary War. Scholarships shall be awarded on the basis of scholastic achievement and financial need. Application deadline is March 12. For contact information and application:

4320-G Wade Hampton BLVD
Taylors, SC  29687
(866) 608-0001

THE LYDIA SCHOLARSHIP
A scholarship program for women who have experienced God's call to become ordained pastors in the PC (USA) and who have a vision of spiritual renewal within the denomination. Administered by the Network of Presbyterian Women in leadership. The Lydia Fund seeks to equip evangelical women for leadership in the PC (USA). At this point in time, The Lydia Fund chooses one new recipient each year. The recipient receives up to $2500 per year for two years, with a strong option for receiving the same amount (if needed) for a third year. Applicants must be female with at least one full-year of work experience prior to seminary (may be full-time volunteer work). Applicants must have a commitment to complete a Master of Divinity degree at a PC (USA) seminary, Gordon-Conwell or Fuller Seminary. Women already attending seminary are eligible to apply, and anyone is eligible to reapply if they are not selected with their first application. Prospective applicants may contact the Lydia Fund Office after November 1 to receive an official application; Application must be postmarked by March 1.  All applicants will be notified of the result by June 1. Contact for information (application may be download from website). For more information, contact Tracie Stewart, the Lydia Scholarship coordinator.

NORTH CAROLINA BAPTIST STATE CONVENTION GRANT
GCTS-Charlotte only
Grants are for North Carolina Baptists enrolled in seminaries other than those provided by North Carolina Baptist colleges/universities, and by the Southern Baptist Convention. Approved degrees are the Master of Divinity, Master of Christian Education or equivalent as determined by the Council on Christian Higher Education. The student must be a resident of North Carolina, with a present or immediate past membership in a North Carolina Baptist church for not less than one year.  The church must contribute to and participate in the Baptist State Convention, and formally endorse the student as a candidate for a church related vocation. Students must be enrolled in 7 semester hours (full-time status). The total grant for the degree program will not exceed $3000 or $500 for six semesters and will be credited to the account of the eligible student. Deadline for application is April 1. Contact for information and application can be found here.

NORTHERN BAPTIST EDUCATION SOCIETY SCHOLARSHIPS
Provided during the first semester to members of the American Baptist Churches in the USA. A representative interviews candidates at their campus. Awards are renewable for the second semester. Eligible candidates are notified at the start of the first semester. Click here to view their website.

NC LUTHERAN SYNOD STUDENT FINANCIAL AID
www.nclutheran.org/ministries/financial_resources.php
Ethnic-Specific Scholarships

JONATHAN THEOLOGICAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Provides assistance to ethnic Chinese Christians called to serve in North American Chinese churches. Contact for information and application:

Jonathan Theological Scholarship Fund
P.O. Box 6756
Laguana Niguel, CA 92607-6756

JUSTIN HARUYAMA MINISTERIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
This scholarship is offered to persons of Japanese ancestry, accepted or enrolled full-time in accredited Protestant seminaries in the US. Students must be preparing for ministerial degrees and intend to serve Japanese American congregations or other church related ministries. Scholarships are awarded each year. In all cases, the Justin Haruyama Ministerial Scholarship Fund Selection Committee, administered by the New York-Connecticut Foundation of the United Methodist Church, make the awards. Application Deadline is May 31. Application may be submitted in writing to the following address:

Justin Haruyama Scholarship Committee
Japanese American United Church
255 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10001
Phone: 212-242-9444
Fax: 212-242-5274
E-mail: infojauc@gmail.com
Website: www.jauc.org

PCUSA DENOMINATIONAL FUNDS
(The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Theological Grant and Loan programs)
For theological students preparing for a professional church occupation. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Theological Grant and Loan programs include the Presbyterian Study Grant, Racial Ethnic Supplemental Grant, the Native American Supplemental Grant, and the Theological Loan program. Studying for the first professional degree and be enrolled as an inquirer or candidate by a PCUSA presbytery for a church occupation. Applications are available in the fall for both grants and loans through the denominational headquarters. Contact for information and application:

Financial Aid for Studies, PCUSA
100 Witherspoon Street
Louisville, KY 40202-1396
Phone: 888-728-2778, ext. 5760 (grants), ext. 5735 (loans)
Website: gamc.pcusa.org/ministries/financialaid/scholarships-grants-and-loans/
Ministry-Specific Scholarships

THE INTERNATIONAL ORDER OF THE KING'S DAUGHTERS AND SONS
A Student Ministry Scholarship is usually in the amount of $1,000 for a full academic year (September through June) and is for tuition only. Grants are provided to students preparing for full time religious vocations. Applicant must be a full-time graduate student in a Master of Divinity program. Applicant must be a citizen of the US or Canada. Applicant must be attending a school or seminary accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States or Canada. Applicants themselves must APPLY DIRECTLY TO THE INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR, and application forms can be sent to the applicant ONLY BY THE DIRECTOR Application forms are sent to applicants between January 1 and March 31. Application deadline is April 30. Contact for information and application:

Director Student Ministry Department
P. O. Box 1040
Chautauqua, NY 14722-1040
Website: www.iokds.org/scholarship3.html

THE VANCE H. HAVNER SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Scholarships are available to those whose ministry will focus on careers in evangelism and missions. Deadline for returning the application is June 1. To obtain the application contact:

The Vance H. Havner Scholarship Fund, Inc.
P. 0. Box 9946
Greensboro, NC 27429-0946
Website: www.vancehavner.org
Scholarships for Those with Disabilities
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Offers thirty scholarships from $3,000 to $12,000 for students who are legally blind. Further details and application forms are available at www.nfb.org/nfb/scholarship_program.asp. The deadline for applications is March 31.
Military Scholarships
MILITARY CHAPLAIN SCHOLARSHIP GRANT/LOANS
For full-time seminary students called by God for ministry as a Military Chaplain, this is a scholarship award for up to $5000 per academic year (or $2500 per semester) for no more than three academic years. Total amount paid should be considered a grant which does not have to be repaid of the Chaplain Candidate is ultimately endorsed for chaplaincy and serves as a military chaplain for the required period of the initial military service obligation; otherwise, shall become a repayable loan. For more information and application, please visit their website.

VETERANS EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS
Contact the Veterans Administration to determine your eligibility and the necessary forms.
For more information call (800) 827-1000, TDD (800) 829-4833.
Needs-Based Scholarships
USA FUNDS ACCESS TO EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS
Need-based scholarship of $1,500 per academic year. Renewable for length of the degree program. More information on the USA Funds Website. The deadline to apply is February 15.
Other Scholarship Opportunities
DANIEL R. HOOVER TRUST FUND
Applicants must demonstrate an ability to provide some of their own financial support. Preference is given to students from North Carolina. Application deadline is February 13. Application available online at www.csascholars.org.

CHAMPIONS FOR CHRIST FOUNDATION
Scholarships are available to students who endeavor to enter full time Christian service called to follow Him, commissioned to share His word, dedicated to ministry and leading others to Christ. Application deadlines for Fall Term is July 1, for Spring Term, November 1 and Summer Term, April 1. Application forms available here.

PHILANTHROPIC EDUCATIONAL ORGANIZATION
The P.E.O. Scholar Awards program provides educational awards for women of the United States and Canada who are either pursuing a graduate degree or are engaged in advanced study and research at an accredited university or college.  In addition to recognizing and encouraging excellence in higher education, these awards provide partial support for study and research for women who will make significant contributions in their varied fields of endeavor.  Priority is given to women who are well established in their graduate programs or advanced study or research. Applicant must be a women and a citizen of the United States or Canada at the time of nomination. Applicant must be within two years of completing her academic program at the time of nomination and have at least one full academic year of work remaining to complete her graduate degree or research from the date the awards are granted (August 1). Applicant must be a full-time student, demonstrate academic excellence, maturity, and seriousness of purpose, and have clearly defined and realistically obtainable career objectives. Awards are made regardless of race, national origin, religious affiliation, or disability. A local P.E.O. chapter between September 1 and December 31 must nominate you. The number of awards is determined each year in accordance with the funds available.  P.E.O. Scholars Awards are announced annually in May for the ensuing academic year.  Contact for information and application:

P.E.O. Executive Office
3700 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50312
Phone: 515-255-3153
Fax: 515-255-3820
Website: www.peointernational.org

THE TODD E. CARROUTH SCHOLARSHIP (TEC)
The Todd E. Carrouth Foundation will award Scholarships annually. $1000 Scholarships are offered to degree seeking full or part time seminary students of all denominations attending Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Scholarship will only cover expenses not covered by other financial aid or scholarship.  Funds will be issued to the school on the recipient’s behalf and will be available to cover tuition, books, and fees. Application can be obtain from web site and the deadline to submit them is March 31. Awards will be announced by April 15.  Recipient will be required to attend an award banquet in order to receive the scholarship. Contact for information and application can be found at www.tecfoundation.org/Scholarships.htm.

THE FUND FOR THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION, INC. (FTE)
(Partnership For Excellence – Ministry Fellows)
The fellowship program provides theological, academic, and financial support to promising first-year seminary students as they engage in theological study and prepare for full-time ordained ministry. Applicants must be entering their first year of a Master of Divinity program at an Association of Theological Schools accredited seminary in the fall. (Currently enrolled students are not eligible for this program. M.T.S., Th.M., and M.A. students are also not eligible.) Applicants should demonstrate excellent capacities for ministry, high academic ability, deep religious commitment, and the intent to pursue ministry as a career. Applicants should combine imagination and creativity with compassion, vision, and a capacity for critical thinking, leadership, communicative ability, and personal integrity. Applicants should bring to the minister's role a strong sense of personal identity, a capacity to understand and act in behalf of the needs of others, and a familiarity with and dedication to a faith tradition. Applicants must be citizens of the U.S. or Canada. Applicants must be 35 years of age or under. Application deadline is April 1. Contact for information: (application can be downloaded from website)

The Fund for Theological Education, Inc.
825 Houston Mill Rd., Suite 100
Atlanta, GA 30329
phone: (404) 727-1450 Fax: (404) 727-1490
E-mail: fte@thefund.org
Website: www.thefund.org

WORLD WIDE BARACA PHILATHEA UNION SCHOLARSHIP
Scholarship assistance is available to students enrolled in an accredited college or seminary who are majoring in Christian ministry, Christian missionary work, or Christian education-defined as church youth pastor, writer of Sunday school curriculum, devotional materials, or evangelism. Scholarship funds are paid to the educational institution upon receipt of the first semester transcript and letter confirming attendance. he scholarship is renewable by annual reapplication. Applications and supporting materials must be received between January 1 and March 31. Contact for information and application:

World Wide Baraca Philathea Union Scholarship
610 South Harlem Avenue
Freeport, IL 61032-4833