Genealogy Awards, Grants & Scholarships

 

Below, find genealogy awards, scholarships, and grants grouped by type, and then by submission deadline date. The genealogy awards, scholarships, and grants offered below have no association at all with ConferenceKeeper.org. Please see each individual offerings’ websites for complete details.

Free DNA Tests

Ongoing:

International Society of Genetic Genealogy Wiki

Some surname projects offer free DNA tests if you fit the criteria. The ISOGG website has a rather long list of projects offering tests. It’s worth checking out! Click the title for the link. 

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Awards

15 December Annually

This award recognizes an individual whose positive influence and leadership have fostered unity and helped make family history a vital force in the community.  The recipient need not be a member of the National Genealogical Society.  Nominations are submitted to the NGS Awards Committee, which reviews and evaluates the nominations. All nominations must include contact information (name, email, and phone) for nominees and the person(s) nominating them. Click on the title of the award for more information and link to the nomination form.

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BCG Donald Mosher Memorial Award 

31 December

This competitive $500 award, established in 2001 by Merrill Hill Mosher, CG, of Oregon, honoring her late husband, is administered by the Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG) Education Fund. The Donald Mosher Award funds scholarly research on colonial Virginia topics in the following categories: family genealogy, immigrant place or family origin, and publication of obscure or difficult Virginia resources. The annual deadline is 31 December.

 

Grants

Ongoing:

Mississippi Department of Archives & History Family Genealogy Fellowships

The Mississippi Department of Archives and History is pleased to offer the Family Genealogy Fellowships to support individuals hoping to locate information related to their family history using resources available at MDAH. This fellowship provides the researcher with access to our unique collections in order to fill in details of their family’s stories. 

Ten research stipends of up to $2,000 will be offered to ten researchers to fund their travel to Jackson and accommodations for three consecutive nights to allow for three days of research at MDAH. Selected applicants will schedule fellowships to take place for three consecutive days in the months of February, April, May, June, and July 2022. The stipend may be used to cover travel, accommodations, and other expenses accrued during the researcher’s time at MDAH such as the cost of copies. If selected, applicants must be prepared to provide a W-9 to receive stipend payments. Half of the stipend will be paid in advance and the final half will be paid on the last day of research.

Application Deadline: minimum of 6 weeks prior to proposed dates of research. On-site research term: 3 days in the month of February, April, May, June, or July 2022.

Full details at https://www.mdah.ms.gov/genealogyfellowships

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Deadline March 1

American Society of Genealogists Grants for Continuing Genealogical Research Projects

            The Fellows of the American Society of Genealogists are pleased to offer grant opportunities in support of important continuing genealogical research projects. These grants are intended to assist with those projects sitting unfinished (or unstarted) on every genealogist’s “back burner” for lack of financial aid to help cover researching and writing time, costs of copies, fees, travel, and other usual expenses associated with genealogical research and publication.

            Each grant is for $2,500.  Projects are not limited regarding subject, length, or format, but the value of the work to other researchers and institutions will be an important consideration.  Examples of possible projects include, but are not limited to, compilation of single or extended family genealogies, transcriptions or translations of original documents, bibliographies, indexes, studies of ethnic groups, geographic locations, migration patterns, legal history, etc., using genealogical resources and methods. Publication is not required, but acknowledgement of the support from the American Society of Genealogists in any distribution of the project results is requisite. Fellows of the American Society of Genealogists are not eligible for these grants.

 You may click on the title above for full details and how to apply.

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Deadline May 1

Ottawa Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society Funding for Genealogical Projects

If your organization has a project that will contribute to the knowledge of genealogical techniques or to the knowledge of genealogy relating to names, places, dates and family histories apply now, we want to help out. Projects can include creating publications, developing databases, digitization of archival material/collections, hosting training sessions and workshops, and the preservation of archival material/collections. Application deadlines are May 1st of the current year. Click on the title of the grant for more information.

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December 31

Indiana Genealogical Society Genealogy Grant Program

Grants are up to $1,000 each and may be awarded in three categories:
Cemetery Restoration Grant – Given for a project to restore and/or renovate an Indiana pioneer cemetery.
Resource Development Grant – Given for a project to develop a new Indiana genealogical resource in either a printed or electronic format.
Chapter Resource Grant – Given to an Indiana Genealogical Society Chapter for a project to support the operation of that Chapter.
The grant application deadline is December 31 of each year.  Click on the title of the grant for more information.

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Scholarships by Deadline

January  1 

GRIP – Donn Devine, JD, CG (Emeritus), FNGS, Scholarship

This scholarship awards full tuition and on-campus housing in a shared room to one applicant who has never been to GRIP. GRIP believes this scholarship will reward a genealogist who has emulated Donn Devine’s giving spirit of volunteerism but has not had the opportunity to attend. Application deadline is January 1 each year with the winner notified by February 1.  For entry information click here.

 

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January 31

DAR Scholarships

Each year the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) awards multiple scholarships to students showing dedication to the pursuit of higher education in diverse areas of study including history, economics, law, political science, medicine, nursing, occupational and physical therapy, elementary and secondary education, chemistry, math, science and English.

DAR’s scholarships are awarded and judged without regard to gender, race, color, religion, national origin, or disability.

• Applicants must be citizens of the United States.
• Applicants must attend or plan to attend an accredited college or university in the United States.
• All multi-year scholarships, typically renewable up to four years, must be for consecutive years of attendance.
• Awards are based on academic excellence, commitment to the field of study, and/or financial need, or other restrictions on specific scholarships.
• Awards are placed on deposit with the recipient’s college or university and any unused portion shall be returned to the DAR.
• Applicants are only eligible to receive one scholarship from the DAR.

Several scholarships are offered in many categories, and membership or connection to a DAR member isn’t always required. Check out all the offerings here. 

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March 1

Frazine K. Taylor African American Research Scholarship

The Frazine K. Taylor African American Research Scholarship (application due 1 March each year) was established on 7 June 2018 by Deborah A. Abbott, PhD, in honor of Frazine K. Taylor upon her retirement as coordinator of the “Researching African American Ancestors” course at the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR). This scholarship for IGHR tuition is open to anyone committed to expanding their knowledge of African American genealogical research. Taylor proposed and organized the first biennial African American course at IGHR in 2004. Details here.

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March 1

The General Society of Mayflower Descendants (GSMD) Scholarship Program

The General Society of Mayflower Descendants (GSMD) Scholarship Program offers scholarships to graduating high school seniors who are Mayflower descendants and will be attending a four-year college or university or two-year community college.

ANCESTRY REQUIREMENTS: For an applicant to be considered for a Mayflower Scholarship, the Application Form must include a valid GSMD membership number for either the applicant or for a parent, grandparent, or great grandparent of the applicant. Please note that the membership number supplied must be for a living and currently active GSMD member. Full details are on the website here. 

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March 15

Three Board for Certification of Genealogists Scholarships:

Currently, three scholarships are offered by BCG:

1. A scholarship for an applicant under the age of 40 (must be under age 40 on 15 March).
2. A scholarship for an individual who is currently “on the clock” having submitted the preliminary application to become a Certified Genealogist. 
3. The Paul Edward Sluby Sr. African American Scholarship.

Four institutes are eligible for all three scholarships for tuition, travel, and lodging expenses (where applicable). The Sluby Scholarship is also eligible for the Midwest African American Institute.

• Genealogical Institute on Federal Records (Gen-Fed)
• Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP)
• Institute of Genealogy & Historical Research (IGHR)
• Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG)

Applications for scholarships to participate in national genealogical institutes are due annually on 15 March. Scholarships will award up to $1,700 of the tuition, travel, and lodging expense of attending one of four premier national institutes. BCG will also waive its final application fee of $300 for scholarship recipients who submit portfolios of work to be considered for certification within three years of the announcement of an award. Full details and application instructions here.

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April 30

Midwest African American Genealogy Institute (MAAGI) Scholarship

The Midwest African American Genealogy Institute is offering a tuition scholarship to individuals who are passionate about genealogy research and have a financial need. The value of the scholarship is $325 towards 2023 Virtual tuition. To be eligible: 
·      Applicants must prepare a write up of no more than 500 words that shows an interest in genealogy
·      Their intent to use the education for personal or professional purposes
·      Have an interest in African American ancestry
·      Have a commitment to pursuing genealogy research and sharing knowledge
·      Be able to explain the importance of genealogy in understanding personal and family history
·      Include the selection of your MAAGI Track (1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3, & 4).  
Full details and application information here.

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May 1

SLIG – Chris Darrington  Scholarship

Chris was MyHeritage’s Conference Events Manager and a long-standing MyHeritage staff member. He set up and ran the MyHeritage booth, gave demos, and provided assistance to MyHeritage users at genealogy conferences across the US. Chris always assisted people with great patience, kindness, and humor. He had a natural rapport with genealogy enthusiasts who appreciated his genuine passion for family history. As the representative responsible for coordinating MyHeritage’s annual sponsorship of the SLIG Shuttle, Chris always went the extra mile—visiting SLIG, creating a rapport with SLIG committee and faculty, and demonstrating an interest in the program overall.

Application Procedure: A committee at MyHeritage will consider applications, and the winner will be guaranteed a seat in the course of his/her choice. Applicants may be any age or skill level (SLIG courses require an intermediate level of skill or higher). They should have a genuine passion for family history, a strong desire to improve their research skills through quality education, and an enthusiasm for serving the genealogical community.

The scholarship will award full tuition for one candidate to the SLIG course of choice.

Full details and application information here.

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May 1

SLIG – Laura G. Prescott SLIG Scholarship

Laura G. Prescott’s bright smile, gracious friendship, and positive attitude, and many contributions as a teacher, writer, researcher, mentor, society leader, APG president, and director of Ancestry Academy made a significant mark on the genealogical community. In recognition of her friendship to all, her professional accomplishments, and her passion for genealogical education, the genealogical community established the Laura G. Prescott SLIG Scholarship.

A committee personally appointed by Laura will consider applications, and the winner will be guaranteed a seat in the course of his/her choice. Applicants may be any age (young to old) or skill level (amateur, intermediate, advanced, professional), but should exhibit a passion for genealogy, appreciate the importance of education and standards in our field, and serve the community through volunteerism.

 Complete entry information here.

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May 1

SLIG – Jimmy B. Parker Scholarship

The scholarship recipient will receive full tuition to the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy 2023. The scholarship will be awarded to the individual whose essay and application reflect a commitment to genealogical excellence and community involvement. Essays and applications are due May 1. Complete entry information here.

 

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May 1

SLIG – Scholarship for First-Time Institute Attendees

This scholarship was created in 2016 to provide entrance opportunities for students who have not yet attended an institute.

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May 1

SLIG – Intermediate Foundations Scholarship

Who may apply:

This scholarship reaches out to those who haven’t yet attended an institute that need to strengthen their research knowledge and skills at an intermediate level in order to prepare to attend future institutes. Full details here.

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June 1

APG Young Professional Scholarship

Who may apply:

Do you know a young genealogist with a bright future? Encourage them to apply for the APG Young Professional Scholarship! The scholarship is awarded to students or young professionals between the ages of 18 and 35 who have a significant interest in genealogy and a strong interest in developing a professional career in the field.

Applications for the 2023 Scholarship are due by 1 June 2023. For eligibility, judging criteria, and a link to the application, visit https://www.apgen.org/cpages/awards-young-professional-scholarship.

The scholarship winner will receive a complimentary registration for the APG Professional Management Conference (PMC) and reimbursement of up to $500 for hotel and travel expenses when attending the PMC in person. The 2023 APG PMC will be held 19-21 October 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah, and virtually on Whova. Questions? Email admin@apgen.org.  Full details here.

 

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July 1

APG Kenyatta D. Berry African American Research Scholarship

The Kenyatta D. Berry African American Research Scholarship recognizes an aspiring professional with a significant interest in developing a career in African American genealogy.  The scholarship is open to both APG members and non-members. For scholarship details and to view the online application, visit https://www.apgen.org/cpages/awards-kenyatta-berry-african-american-research-scholarship. Applicants wishing to be considered for the inaugural scholarship must complete an application by 10 July 2023 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern.

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August 31

IGHR, Gen-Fed, BU, SLIG, GRIP: The American Society of Genealogists ASG Scholar Award

The ASG Scholar Award provides financial assistance for a developing scholar to attend one of five academic programs in American genealogy: the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR), held in Athens, Georgia, under the auspices of the Georgia Genealogical Society; the Genealogical Institute on Federal Records (Gen-Fed), in Washington, D.C.; the Certificate Program in Genealogical Research at Boston University; the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG); or the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP). The recipient of the ASG Scholar Award may register for the program of his or her choice. The genealogy award is given in October of each calendar year, with the intention that it is used for genealogical study in the following calendar year. Full entry details here.

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September 15

Texas State Genealogical Society Student Scholarship

A Student Scholarship is awarded each year in the amount of $1000 by TSGS to a student with plans to major in history, government, library science or education. Application should be made by September 15 annually.  Click on the title of the grant for more information.

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October 1

Birdie Monk Holsclaw Scholarship for IGHR

The scholarship covers the cost of tuition to IGHR and is open to anyone (with the exception of members of the BMH Memorial Fund Committee and current members of the Exeuctive Board of the Colorado Council of Genealogical Societies). For criteria & requirements, click on the award name, above. Applications are due by October 1, annually.  Click on the title of the grant for more information.

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November 15

Friends of the Alabama Archives Student Research Fellowships

Each year, the Friends of the Alabama Archives sponsors two $1,000 fellowships which are available to senior-level or graduate students in an Alabama college or university or to an Alabama resident in study at a school outside of the state. The scholarships are intended to help offset expenses incurred while conducting research using the collections of the Alabama Department of Archives and History. Awards are based on evaluation of project significance and work plan feasibility. See the current fellowship announcement and application details. Applications must be postmarked by November 15.

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December 15

THIS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM IS CURRENTLY ON PAUSE, EXPECTED TO RESUME IN 2023

John T Humphrey, CG ^sm Memorial Scholarship – NGS Home Study Program

To encourage those who are pursuing a career in genealogy by demonstrating a strong and serious interest in genealogy. Entry deadline is December 15 annually. Full details here.

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December 31

Richard S. Lackey Memorial Scholarship – Gen-Fed

The Genealogical Institute on Federal Research Alumni Association (Gen-Fed Alumni) annually presents the Richard S. Lackey Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $600 to an experienced researcher holding either a paid or volunteer position in the genealogical community.

The scholarship covers full tuition for the Genealogical Institute on Federal Records, ticket to the alumni dinner; and partial travel, hotel, and meal costs. The winner will have a reserved slot in Gen-Fed.

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 December 31

 Ryan Taylor Scholarship for the National Institute for Genealogical Studies

Three $500 scholarships are available. These genealogy awards will be applied towards courses in the Certificate in Genealogical Studies program offered jointly by the University of Toronto, Faculty of Information Studies, PLC and the National Institute for Genealogical Studies. (www.genealogicalstudies.com). This scholarship will not be awarded in cash. PREREQUISITE: Applicant must be enrolled or have completed at least one course in the Certificate in Genealogical Studies program. Full details for entry here.