NAPFA Foundation Scholarships

NEW NAPFA Foundation Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded by the NAPFA Foundation. This scholarship is available to NAPFA members and non-members. This scholarship is funded by NAPFA members in memory of past NAPFA members. One award will be awarded each year to an individual who displays attributes which match that of the mission of the NAPFA Foundation to transform lives by expanding access to Fee-Only financial planning. Scholarship awards and criteria for award winners are determined each year by the NAPFA Foundation. The application submission period is currently open and applications may be submitted here.

NEW Keener Financial Planning Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded by the NAPFA Foundation. This scholarship is available to NAPFA members and non-members. This scholarship was established by Keener Financial Planning to assist individuals who demonstrate high need to begin a career in financial planning. The application submission period is currently open and applications may be submitted here.

Diahann W. Lassus Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded by the NAPFA Foundation. This scholarship is available to NAPFA members and non-members. This scholarship was created to provide financial assistance to students from CFP® Board Registered financial planning programs to attend a NAPFA National Conference. The scholarship will cover conference registration and a stipend for expenses of up to $300. Five scholarships will be awarded for each NAPFA conference (Spring and Fall). The application submission period is currently open for the NAPFA 2025 Fall National Conference, and applications can be submitted here.

Gail Parker Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded by the NAPFA Foundation. This scholarship is available to NAPFA members and non-members. This scholarship was created to provide financial assistance to female advisors attending their first NAPFA conference. The scholarship award includes conference registration and up to $500 of a travel stipend. The scholarship is generally awarded for the spring conference. The application submission period is currently closed.

Lynn Ballou Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded by the NAPFA Foundation. From the outset of her career, Lynn Ballou committed to developing the next generation of leaders in the financial services industry without regard to background or financial resources. She has consistently dedicated her time to provide guidance, direction, and support to those working to achieve degrees and certifications.

EP Wealth Advisors is dedicated to continuing Lynn’s mission of bringing diversity into the financial services industry, and to honor her history of mentorship, inclusion, and a career supporting not just clients but her colleagues. The scholarship is sponsored by EP Wealth and will be awarded to an aspiring CFP® in coordination with NAPFA.

The scholarship award includes reimbursement for up to $2,500. The scholarship is generally awarded during the CFP® exam dates. Applications may be submitted here.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be a U.S. resident.
  • Must be enrolled in a CFP Board-Registered certificate or undergraduate program, or plan to matriculate in a CFP Board-Registered certificate program within 6 months of application/award; If applying for a scholarship for a certificate program, must have earned an undergraduate degree.
  • Must have a demonstrated financial need, as explained in an essay required as part of the application process.
  • Must demonstrate commitment to the financial planning profession, as explained in an essay required as part of the application process.
  • Must exhibit professionalism and dignity and demonstrate the ability to enhance and maintain the profession’s public image. Applicants that are selected to proceed to the final round of the application review process will be required to pass a background check confirming eligibility to become a CFP® professional.
  • Scholarship recipients will be required to provide documentation of certificate or undergraduate program enrollment (e.g., academic transcript, official course completion letters) and costs prior to receiving their award.

Application Process:

  • Candidates will submit an application via NAPFA
  • Candidates will submit an essay that includes, but is not limited to:
    • Demonstrated financial need
    • Commitment to the financial planning profession
    • Goals and aspirations for their careers
  • Interview (Conducted by NAPFA)
  • Background Check/Eligibility Confirmation (Conducted by NAPFA)

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