The Iowa Funeral Directors Association awards several scholarships each year at Annual Convention. Scholarships are $500-$1000 and are awarded based on scholastic ability, leadership qualities, citizenship and interest in mortuary science.
Applicants must send all documentation to the IFDA office by March 1, 2024.
To be eligible, students must:
- Be a legal Iowa resident and intend to practice funeral service in Iowa upon graduation;
- Have completed two years and have accumulated 60 credits at an accredited college or university;
- Be enrolled in and attending a program in funeral service or mortuary science education accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education. Students in coordinated programs are only eligible for an award during a period of attendance at the American Board accredited program;
- Have at least one term or semester remaining in his/her program which will commence after the award date in order to be considered for an award.
A non-partisan judge contracted by IFDA will evaluate the applications. Final selection will be based on scholastic ability, leadership qualities, citizenship, and interest in mortuary science, as perceived in the application. The award must be applied to tuition for the following school year and recipients are not permitted to carry over the award from one school year to the next. The scholarship will be made payable jointly to the registrar of the school and the recipient.
IFDA strives to recruit the quality funeral service professionals that will be able to serve the communities of Iowa with professionalism and compassion. Please share this information regarding IFDA scholarships with any students you know who are going to pursue a career in funeral service.
Jack G. Dodds Scholarship
The Jack G. Dodds Scholarship is one scholarship of $1,000. To be eligible, students must meet the above requirements and have been enrolled in the mortuary science program at Des Moines Area Community College.
James R. Corson Scholarship
The James R. Corson Scholarship is one scholarship of $750 and is awarded during the Annual Convention. To be eligible, students must be a graduate of a four year college or university and be attending Des Moines Area Community College.
Harry V. McBride Scholarship
The Harry V. McBride Scholarship is one scholarship of $500 and is awarded during the Annual Convention. To be eligible, students must meet the above requirements and have been enrolled in an accredited mortuary science program.
John F. Fulton Scholarship
The John F. Fulton Scholarship is one scholarship of $500 and is awarded during the Annual Convention. To be eligible, students must meet the above requirements and have been enrolled in an accredited mortuary science program.
Suzanne Gebel Scholarship
The Suzanne Gebel Scholarship is one scholarship of $1000 and is awarded during the Annual Convention. To be eligible, students must meet the above requirements and have been enrolled in an accredited mortuary science program. This scholarship was created in the name of the former Executive Director of IFDA, Susan Gebel in honor of her years of service to the profession and the organization and shall be funded through 2026.