The OGR Foundation provides scholarship opportunities to mortuary science students who distinguish themselves in academic performance and community involvement. Scholarship recipients exemplify OGR values of compassion and fairness and commit to serving grieving families under the principles of the Golden Rule.  

“We recognize the profound impact these students will have in upholding the principles of compassion and empathy, and we are committed to investing in their education because we understand that a well-prepared, compassionate professional can make a world of difference when it’s needed the most,” Kim Hunter, Chairman of the OGR Foundation said. 

Who can apply?  

The scholarship is available to anyone currently enrolled in a mortuary science degree program and scheduled to graduate during the 2024 calendar year. Additionally, applicants are required to hold a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, demonstrate excellence in the pursuit of knowledge in mortuary science, provide examples of community and school activity involvement and commit to working for an independently owned funeral home after graduation. A full list of requirements can be found here.  

How much is available?  

In total, the OGR Foundation will award $10,000 for the 2024 Awards of Excellence Scholarship. This year, the top scholarship recipient will receive $3,500 as well as travel and accommodations to attend the 2024 OGR Annual Conference in Savannah, Georgia from May 7-9.  

How can I apply?

The 2024 application is live now on the OGR website at www.ogr.org/foundation. Applications will be accepted through December 31, 2023. The application includes an essay portion and applicants must also provide a 2023 academic transcript. After the application closes, five candidates will be chosen for interviews by the Foundation Board of Directors to determine the first-place recipient. Scholarship recipients will be notified in March 2024 and will be awarded in May 2024.  

How can I get involved?

The scholarship is funded by individual and corporate donations made to the OGR Foundation. The Foundation is the charitable arm of the Order of the Golden Rule and a registered nonprofit under the IRS Tax Code 501(c)(3). Your contribution is tax deductible, and a gift of any size helps enable provide more scholarships to deserving young men and women interested in the funeral professional. To learn more or donate to the foundation, visit www.ogr.org/foundation. Want to learn more about the Scholarship Program and read about previous winners? Visit www.ogr.org/scholarship.