TIFG Scholarship Application [Download pdf here]

Scholarship 2022 Guidelines

  • Deadline for scholarship applications is December 31, 2022. Submissions postmarked after this date will not be considered.
  • Incomplete applications will not be considered—refer to Application Process below for a list of the supporting documents needed (i.e., reference forms, evidence of GPA, etc.).
  • Please complete the application fully—if any question does not apply to you, put N/A in the space.
  • Type or print legibly. Illegible applications will be returned to you. The .pdf file can be filled.
  • You will be notified by phone or e-mail in March regarding the status of your application.
  • If you have any questions about the application, please call Brad Kuchnicki, Executive Director of The Independent Funeral Group at (865) 405-7085 or by email at [email protected]

 

              PURPOSE: The Independent Funeral Group Scholarship was established in 2014. The mission of the scholarship is to provide financial assistance to qualified individuals enrolled in an accredited Funeral Service Degree Program (Certificate Programs are not eligible for Scholarship).

 

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Based on financial need, academic performance, leadership potential, and participation in Funeral Service programs including but not limited to volunteer hours. Scholarships are awarded and/ or renewed annually provided funds are available.

 

            CRITERIA

  • Applicants must have completed one semester in an accredited Funeral Service Degree Program.
  • Applicants must be completing or have completed high school successfully with a minimum unweighted GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. GED applicants are eligible, but, are required to submit test scores.
  • Applicants must be accepted as a full-time student at an accredited Funeral Service College. Applicants must demonstrate a need for financial assistance
  • Applicants must be a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States.
  • Student must apply for the 2020-2021 Federal Student Aid Application (FAFSA).
  • Student must submit a copy of their 2020-2021 Student Aid Report (SAR)
  • Applicants must complete and submit a Scholarship Application by April 30, 2020.
  • The Scholarship recipient’s college will receive their check for the next semester only after their grades from the previous semester have been received.

 

            TIMELINE:

  • Applications are due December 31, 2022.
  • Candidates that are eligible for interviews will be notified by the Scholarship Committee.
  • Applicants are notified if awarded a scholarship immediately upon confirmation by the Scholarship Committee.

 

            APPLICATION PROCESS:

  • Completed application form
  • Official high school transcript in a sealed envelope from the institution
  • Two Personal References
  • One Reference from a faculty member at your respective Funeral Service College
  • Demonstrated financial need
  • 500 word written essay

 

            SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS:

The Independent Funeral Group awards scholarships on the basis of a comprehensive process. Areas that are reviewed by the committee include, but, are not limited to the following: Academic Accomplishments, Community Service, References, Personal Essay and Financial Need. The Independent Funeral Group pays scholarship funds directly to the recipient’s school. Two $2500 Scholarships are awarded each June. The Independent Funeral Group Scholarships are awarded without regard to race, color, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation. Scholarships awarded are based upon the availability of funds and additional qualifying criteria.

  • Award notification will be given upon authorization by the Scholarship Committee.
  • Applicant must provide their student ID, the correct mailing address of their institution and the department where their scholarship check is to be received.
  • Award amounts will be distributed each semester after a student’s final grades are received by your accredited Funeral Service College.
  • The scholarship recipient’s college will receive their check for the next semester only after their grades from the previous semester have been received.
  • Students must receive a minimum 2.5 grade point average based on a 4.0 scale.

 

Deadline for the application is December 31, 2022. All applications postmarked after this date will not be considered.

 

Application 2022—must be filled out by applicant.  Below you will find all applicant information that is required to be fully completed.

Please type on a separate sheet or print your answers below. If application is illegible it will be returned to you. For any information that does not apply, please answer as N/A.

Personal Information:

Last Name: _____________________
First Name: _____________________
   Mailing Address
Street: ________________________________
City: ________________
State: __________
ZIP: ___________
Daytime Telephone Number: _____________
Cell Phone Number: _____________
Email address: __________________

Name & address of parent(s) or legal guardian(s): 

Name(s): _________________________________
Street: ________________________________
City: ________________
State: __________
ZIP: ___________
Home phone of parents or legal guardians: _____________

School Information:

High School: ______________
Number of years attended HS: ___
I am attending the following Mortuary College in the 2020: ______________________
Address: ________________________________________
Phone: _____________
Will you be a commuting student? ____
Will you live on campus? ____
If you are not living on campus, where will you be living? ______________________
Grade Point Average (GPA): __________ (On a 4.0 scale)
Attach proof of GPA; your most recent official school transcript required.
ACT Score:__________ Or SAT Score: __________
A copy of your ACT or SAT score sheet on official high school transcript is required.

Previous College Education:

List the name of any college(s) you have attended: _______________________________
Year Began: ______________________
Year Ended: ______________________
Year Graduated: ______________________
Type of Degree Received: ____________________________________

List expenses you expect to incur per semester or quarter: (Approximate figures acceptable) Make additional comments if needed.

Tuition: Amount: $__________
Books: Amount:  $ __________
Room & Board: Amount: $__________
Other expenses: Amount: $__________
Other expenses: Amount: $__________

List other financial assistance you will receive per semester or quarter:

Personal: Amount: $__________
Other Scholarship(s): Amount: $__________
Grants: Amount: $__________
Student Loan(s): Amount: $__________
Other Financial Resources: Amount: $__________

 

Please list any of the following:

Organizations:
Please list community organizations such as service, volunteer and religious organizations in which you are now active or have previously been active. Note leadership roles and dates.

Recognitions:
Please list important awards and recognitions received. Note organizations presenting honor and date. 

Goals:
What are the short and long term goals for your life?

Needs:
Please explain your need for The Independent Funeral Group Scholarship. 

Career Plans:
What are your career plans and what would you like to be doing in 10 years?

 Essay Requirement:
Please write a 500 word essay on why you have chosen to pursue a career in the funeral industry.

 

The following items must be attached to this application in order for the application to qualify to be reviewed by the scholarship committee.  Your application will be returned to you if these items are not attached to this application. (No exceptions.)

  • All Required Reference forms. Your references will mail these to The Independent Funeral Group – Attention Brad Kuchnicki.
  • Proof of college acceptance or current student enrollment. A letter of college acceptance or program acceptance is required for receipt of funds.
  • Most recent official high school or official college transcript. Photocopies of your transcript are not acceptable.
  • Applicant Information (may be typed separately on a document)
  • 500 word essay
  • Recent Photo

STATEMENT OF ACCURACY

Please print this document and sign the statement below.


I hereby affirm that all the above stated information provided by me to The Independent Funeral Group Scholarship Committee is true, correct and without forgery. I also consent that my picture may be taken and used for any purpose deemed necessary to promote The Independent Funeral Group Scholarship Program.

I hereby understand that if chosen as a scholarship winner, according to The Independent Funeral Group’s scholarship policy, I must provide evidence of enrollment/registration at the post-secondary institution of my choice before scholarship funds can be awarded.

 

Signature of applicant:                                                                                       Date:                    

Witness:                                                                                                              Date:                    

The deadline for this application to be received by The Independent Funeral Group is
December 31, 2022 - No exceptions!

Please mail application to:
The Independent Funeral Group
Attn: Brad Kuchnicki
503 National Drive
Maryville, TN 37804
Office Phone: 865.977.0027
Cell Phone: 865.405.7085
[email protected]