Virginia Fire Chiefs Foundation Memorial Scholarship

Geographic Scope: Virginia

Program Description: The VFCF Memorial Scholarship supports active fire/EMS service personnel, their spouses or dependents, and non-profit organizations in pursuing educational opportunities that benefit the public safety field.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet ALL of the following criteria:

• Be active fire/EMS service personnel in Virginia (Volunteer or Career), OR
• Be a spouse or dependent of active fire/EMS service personnel in Virginia (Volunteer or Career), OR
• Be a non-profit organization (such as fire departments)
• Hold VFCA Membership (individual and/or Chief level) — this is required for consideration
• Be pursuing a degree or educational program that will benefit the Public Safety field
• Provide proof of enrollment with scholarship application

Eligible Programs

• Virginia Fire Rescue Conference (VFRC)
• Virginia Fire Officer Academy (VFOA)
• Virginia Fire Chiefs Academy
• Associate Degree Programs
• Bachelor Degree Programs
• Master Degree Programs
• Trade Schools
• Vocational Schools

Selection Criteria

Required Written Statement: Applicants must submit a typewritten statement (12-point Arial font, double-spaced, maximum 3 pages) addressing:

• Your background
• Educational goals
• Why this educational opportunity will be useful to you
• Why you are applying for financial assistance

For organizational applications: Include description of organization, how the program benefits the organization, and why financial assistance is necessary.

Award Information

• Award Amount: Up to $2,500 (amounts may vary)
• Recognition: Successful awardees will be invited to the Annual Virginia Fire Rescue Conference to be recognized and presented their scholarship (attendance is not mandatory)

Contact Information

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 699, Blackstone, VA 23824

Application Process

Application Timeline:

• Submission Window: September 1 – December 1 (annually)
• Notification Date: Successful applicants will be notified by January 1
• Award Presentation: Annual Virginia Fire Rescue Conference

Required Materials:

1. Completed Scholarship Application Form
   • Submit via online portal (link available on VFCA website)
2. Written Statement (CRITICAL — failure to submit results in disqualification)
   • Format: Typewritten, 12-point Arial font, double-spaced
   • Length: No more than 3 pages
   • Content requirements:
   • Your background
   • Educational goals
   • Explanation of how this educational opportunity will be useful to you
   • Explanation of why you are applying for financial assistance
   • For organizations: Include description of the organization, how the educational program will benefit the organization, and why financial assistance is necessary
3. Proof of Enrollment
   • Provide documentation of enrollment in the educational program/degree
4. Proof of VFCA Membership
   • Individual and/or Chief membership required

Application Instructions:

1. Review all eligibility requirements
2. Ensure VFCA membership is current
3. Verify enrollment in eligible program
4. Complete the online application form
5. Prepare written statement addressing all required items
6. Attach written statement and enrollment proof to application
7. Submit by December 1 deadline

Important Notes:

• All application materials must be complete to be considered
• Incomplete applications will be disqualified
• Awards are presented at the Annual Virginia Fire Rescue Conference