The Foundation offers financial assistance for post-secondary education and training to spouses, life partners, children and stepchildren of firefighters honored at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. Children and stepchildren must be under age 30 and have been under age 22 at the time of the firefighter’s death.

Learn More About Our Scholarship Programs & How to Apply

Download the NFFF Scholarship Program Brochure

NFFF Scholarship Funds

Alan led a life of compassion and generosity. From his undergraduate days at Notre Dame University through adulthood, he believed strongly in higher education and was committed to help those affected by poverty and hunger. » Read More

New NFFF Scholarship Fund to Provide Full Four-Year College Scholarships

The Alan Patrick Sondej Memorial Scholarship Fund is the ﬁrst National Fallen Firefighters Foundation scholarship fund that is designed to provide scholarships that satisfy the full four year cost of college tuition, books and, where possible, room and board. The scholarship awards made by the Alan Patrick Sondej Memorial Scholarship Fund will be issued on a bi-annual basis, meaning that every other year, a new freshman will receive a four-year commitment. Awards are based on an evaluation of academic achievement and need. In order to get onto a bi-annual cycle beginning with the 2018-19 academic year, the Alan Patrick Sondej Memorial Scholarship Fund awarded a four-year scholarship to a freshman and a two-year scholarship to a junior. The next four-year scholarship will be awarded in the spring of 2020 to a freshman.

The NFFF Sarbanes Scholarship Program

Spouses, life partners, children, and stepchildren of firefighters honored at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial are eligible to apply for the NFFF Sarbanes Scholarship Program and our partner programs. The NFFF Sarbanes Scholarships are awarded for undergraduate and graduate studies, vocational-technical training, and certification and job training programs. They may be used for study at in-state or out-of-state public and private schools.

View the Sarbanes Scholarship Program and Eligibility Requirements

Our Partners

Motorola Solutions Foundation Memorial Scholarship Fund

Vantagepoint Public Employee Memorial Scholarship Fund

ICMA-RC Public Employee Memorial Scholarship Fund

Global Health & Safety Fallen Heroes Scholarship Fund

National Association of State Fire Marshals John Heinz Memorial Scholarship Fund

Columbia Southern University Scholarship

Engine Company 5 Foundation Scholarship

Scholarships Awarded

Since 1997, the Foundation and its partners have awarded 1,357 scholarships totaling over $4,080,000 to spouses, children, and stepchildren of fallen firefighters from over 46 states and the District of Columbia. Fields of study for the recipients have ranged from Accounting to Auto Mechanics, and from Fire Science to Elementary Education.