Karen Lee Richards Advancing Women in Finance Scholarship

Karen Lee Richards Advancing Women in Finance Scholarship

Status: Active (established March 5, 2026)

Award Amount: $80,000 total commitment over five years; up to $4,000 per quarter (July 2025 - June 2030)

Geographic Scope: United States and international (40+ countries)

Focus Areas: Supporting women pursuing advanced professional certifications in investment and wealth management

Eligible Certifications:

Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®)

Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®)

Retirement Management Advisor® (RMA®)

Eligibility Requirements

• Female candidates
• Demonstrated financial need
• Commitment to advancing professional career
• Pursuing one of the three eligible certifications
• Alignment with Foundation's scholarship criteria

Program Details

• Duration: Five-year program (July 2025 - June 2030)
• Number of Recipients: Up to 20 women over the five-year term
• Funder: Karen L. Richards (multi-year donor agreement)
• Administering Organization: Investments & Wealth Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit

Selection Process

Recipients selected based on demonstrated financial need, professional commitment, and alignment with Foundation's scholarship criteria through a structured selection process administered by the Foundation.

About the Funder

Karen L. Richards committed to this scholarship with the mission statement: "The long-term strength of our profession depends on expanding opportunities for those who aspire to grow within it. I am deeply committed to supporting broader access for women who are driven to build their expertise and serve clients with excellence."

Contact Information

Investments & Wealth Foundation
• Website: investmentsandwealth.org/Foundation
• Phone: +1 303-850-3207 (Allison Edmondson, Director of Communications)
• Email: aedmondson@i-w.org

Background

The scholarship is part of the Investments & Wealth Foundation's broader mission to increase representation and strengthen professional standards within the financial advice industry. The Foundation provides scholarships to individuals who are underrepresented in the financial advice profession, including women, minorities, and next-generation leaders.