SFM Foundation Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by SFM Foundation

Introduction
Workplace injuries affect more than the employee — they also place emotional and financial strain on the whole family. When a parent must reduce hours or stop working, college expenses can become especially difficult to manage. Although we cannot remove the hardship caused by a parent’s injury, the SFM Foundation offers scholarships to help make higher education more attainable.

Who may use the scholarship
Awards may be applied to costs at accredited two-year or four-year colleges and universities, vocational schools, and graduate programs. Eligible recipients must be the child (natural, adopted, step-child) or full dependent of a worker who was disabled or fatally injured while performing job duties for an employer based in Minnesota or Iowa and who was entitled to benefits under the Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Act, the Iowa Workers’ Compensation Act, or a comparable program for work-related injuries. Annual awards are up to $15,000.

Eligibility requirements
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be the natural, adopted, step-child or full dependent of a worker injured or killed in a work-related accident while employed by a Minnesota- or Iowa-based employer and eligible for workers’ compensation or a comparable benefits program.
- Be a resident of Minnesota or Iowa and between the ages of 16 and 27 when applying.
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
- Hold a high school diploma or GED, or be a high school student in good standing.
- Be enrolled in, or planning to pursue, an accredited associate’s or bachelor’s degree, a vocational certificate or license program, or a master’s degree.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Submit a completed application.

Applications are assessed on academic performance, aptitude, extracurricular activities, work hours, and community service. GPA will be considered in context with the number of hours the applicant works and their community involvement.

When to apply
The application window for the 2025–2026 academic year is closed. To be considered for the 2026–2027 academic year, submit your application by March 31, 2026.

Award specifics and permitted uses
- Scholarship funds can be used for tuition, required books, and institutional fees. They cannot be applied to room and board or general living expenses.
- Awards range from $1,000 to $15,000 per year.
- Scholarships may be renewed for up to two years for two-year programs and up to five years for bachelor’s programs, provided renewal requirements continue to be met. Graduate-level awards are also available.
- Funds are paid directly to the recipient’s educational institution after the Foundation receives proof of class registration.
- The annual scholarship payment is distributed in two installments: one for the first semester and one for the second semester (timing may vary by school).

Maintaining the scholarship
To continue receiving funds:
- You must remain enrolled full-time each semester (minimum 12 credits).
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA (C average).
- If you take a semester off or fail to maintain full-time enrollment, your scholarship will be discontinued.
- After each semester, provide a copy of your transcript and proof of registration for the upcoming semester (a class registration screenshot from your school’s website is acceptable).

Special scholarships
Each year one incoming applicant is chosen to receive each of the following named awards:
- Pat Johnson Honorary Scholarship (established 2012): awarded to an outstanding new applicant; named for Pat Johnson, former SFM leader and business pioneer.
- Dick Ahmann Memorial Scholarship (established 2018): awarded to an outstanding new applicant; honors Richard “Dick” Ahmann and his record of excellence and professionalism.
- SFM Employee-Sponsored Scholarship (established 2011): awarded to an outstanding new applicant who demonstrates significant community service; fully funded by employees of SFM Mutual Insurance Company.

If you meet the eligibility criteria and need help making college affordable after a work-related parental injury, consider applying by March 31, 2026 for the 2026–2027 academic year.