Scholarships, Awards and Cash Prizes . . Oh My!

There are so many opportunities for genealogists to get recognized for their hard work, in some cases cash prizes are on the line.

Time is running for submissions to some of the organizations.  And for a few the deadline has already passed but you can prepare for next year.

While this is an extensive list, it certainly isn't complete.  If I missed one please let me know.

RICHARD S. LACKEY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

The scholarship is awarded to an experienced researcher in either  a paid or a volunteer position, in the service of the genealogical community.  This $500 scholarship covers full tuition at the (National Institute of Genealogical Research) NIGR, plus attendance at the Alumni Association dinner. Hotel and/or meal costs will be partially defrayed. 

Deadline is January 15, 2015.

OKLAHOMA GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY FAMILY HISTORY STORY WRITING CONTEST

All family historians and genealogists are invited to submit their favorite story for the contest. There is no entry fee and OGS membership is not required. Judges and judges’ immediate families may not participate.

Deadline: Entries will be accepted between January 1 and March 1, 2015.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY  GENEii WRITING CONTEST

Factual articles: either family history or local history, character sketches, or memoirs. Winning entries capture a sense of a family’s experience(s), the character of a locality, or reveal an individual’s character and personality.

Deadlines: Entries must be received between November 1 and December 31.

ASG SCHOLAR AWARD

Established in 1996, the ASG Scholar Award is an annual scholarship providing a stipend of $500 toward tuition and expenses at one of three major academic genealogical programs in the United States. 

DEADLINE is past for submissions in 2014, however get yours in by September 30, 2015 for the next award.

BIRDIE MONK HOLSCLAW IGHR SCHOLARSHIP

Established in 2010 as a tribute to the memory of noted genealogist, Birdie Monk Holsclaw, this scholarship funds genealogical related education at the Samford University Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR) for the awardee.

DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 1st of each year so get going for next year.

CONNECTICUT SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS LITERARY AWARDS
This long-running annual genealogy writing contest for New England–based genealogical works, awards a $1,000 grand prize for the best Genealogy, and two first prizes of $500 each for the best Family History and the best Genealogical Resource Publication. There is also a "fledgling essay contest" for new writers—winning entries may be selected for publication in The Connecticut Nutmegger.
DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 16, 2015.

DONALD MOSHER MEMORIAL AWARD FOR COLONIAL VIRGINIA RESEARCH
This competitive $500 Award, established in 2001 by Merrill Hill Mosher, CG, of Oregon, honoring her late husband, is administered by the BCG Education Fund. The Award funds scholarly research on colonial Virginia topics in the following categories: family genealogy, immigrant place or family origin, and publication of obscure or difficult Virginia resources.

DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 31st.

NGS FILBY AWARD FOR GENEALOGICAL LIBRARIANSHIP

$1,000 awarded to a librarian with at least five years' experience whose primary focus is genealogy and local history and who is employed in a public, academic, or special library.

DEADLINE IS JANUARY 31st.

NGS FAMILY HISTORY WRITING CONTEST

A three- or four-generation family history is required. The prize is an expense-paid trip to the next NGS Family History Conference and possible publication in the National Genealogical Society Quarterly.

DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 31st.

HONORING OUR ANCESTORS

Megan Smolenyak Smolenyak offers grants, each month, to genealogical societies, libraries, and individuals.

RYAN TAYLOR SCHOLARSHIP FUND

The National Institute for Genealogical Studies offers $500 scholarships that will be applied towards courses in the Certificate in Genealogical Studies program offered jointly by the University of Toronto, Faculty of Information Studies, PLC and the National Institute for Genealogical Studies.

THE SUZANNE WINSOR FREEMAN MEMORIAL GRANT

Genealogists between the ages of 18 and 25 who have attended school in the last 12 months are eligible to apply.  SCGS Jamboree will provide the grant recipient with free three-day registration.

RUBINCAM YOUTH AWARD

This award encourage and recognize our youth as the next generation of family historians. There are two categories, senior and junior. The senior category winner (high school student in grades 10–12 or ages 16–18) receives a $500 cash prize, a plaque, the NGS Home Study course, and a one-year NGS membership. The junior category winner (middle school student in grades 7–9 or  ages 13–15 years)  receives a plaque, the NGS Home Study course, and a one-year NGS membership. Presentation details of the winning submission may appear in NGS Magazine.

DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 31st

NGS HOME STUDY COURSE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

To encourage those pursuing a career in genealogy who have demonstrated serious interest in genealogy by attending regional and/or local conferences, undertaking genealogical training, and subscribing to genealogical publications.

DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 31st

FORENSIC GENEALOGY SERVICES 2015 SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

Owner Dee Dee King has implemented a scholarship award program to partially reimburse "Transitional Genealogists" for educational opportunities and career-building endeavors.

Applications for scholarships for 2015 open November 1 - 7, 2014.