Educational Foundation

The EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows began its operation on September 20, 1927. The purpose of the Foundation is to operate a revolving loan fund for qualified students dependent in part, or wholly, on their own efforts for an education, and to award scholarships to students based on scholarship, leadership and financial need.

Since the beginning of the Foundation, donations of approximately $3,500,000 have made it possible for over 3,500 young people to receive student low interest loans amounting to over $6,800,000, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarship awards.

For application or more info please email Educational Foundation Executive Director, Kenneth Babb rkbabb1@bellsouth.net

CLICK HERE to view the 2021 Scholarship winners!Download

Iowa Odd Fellows Degree Program Nursing Scholarship

The $3,000.00 award made possible by the Grand Lodge of Iowa is a Nursing scholarship for Degree Based Programs for students who have an interest in a Nursing Degree. It is based on leadership qualifications and financial need. Applicants must be a member of the Order or have a relative who is a member of an Odd Fellow or Rebekah Lodge.

Iowa CNA/LPN Nursing Certificate Scholarship

The $1,500.00 award made possible by the Grand Lodge of Iowa is a Nursing scholarship for students enrolled in a CNA/LPN Certificate or diploma based program. It is based on leadership qualifications and financial need. Applicants must be a member of the Order or have a relative who is a member of an Odd Fellow or Rebekah Lodge.

The Loan Program

Who Is Eligible to Receive a Loan?

It is required that applicants must be, or have a relative who is an active member of an Odd Fellow or Rebekah Lodge. A student desiring a loan must write personally to the Executive Director for an application. Continue reading “The Loan Program”

Ingstrom Trust Regional Scholarship

The regional scholarships are based on Financial Need, Scholarship and Leadership. $4,000.00 is awarded annually to a student in each of 15 Regions of the US & Canada. Continue reading “Ingstrom Trust Regional Scholarship”

Charles J. & Christine Wirz Scholarship

Charles J. & Christine Wirz scholarships are based on Financial Need, Scholarship and Leadership. Usually, two $2,000.00 scholarships are awarded annually to students without regard to Order affiliation. Continue reading “Charles J. & Christine Wirz Scholarship”

Christine Smith Graduate Studies Scholarship

Christine Smith served as a member of the Educational Foundation, IOOF for 24 years. Her generosity through her estate has initiated the Educational Foundation’s Graduate Studies Scholarship to respond to the need for research and study focused on Children & Family issues. Continue reading “Christine Smith Graduate Studies Scholarship”

Peter F. Geolot Continuing Education Career Enrichment Grants

The Educational Foundation, IOOF endorses career development by supporting members who wish to enroll in continuing education courses in job related fields, or for enrollment in continuing education courses in a new field to further their occupational goals. Continue reading “Peter F. Geolot Continuing Education Career Enrichment Grants”

Odd Fellows & Rebekahs Vocational Technology Scholarship

The Odd Fellows & Rebekahs Vocational Technology scholarships are based on Financial Need and Leadership. This scholarship evolved from the Lawson/Pezo scholarships that were awarded in 2005 from the efforts of LaVaughn Lawson, PGM and Martha Pezo, PP. $1,000.00 is awarded to eligible students annually. Continue reading “Odd Fellows & Rebekahs Vocational Technology Scholarship”

Glenn Coursey Agriculture Scholarship

Glenn Coursey grew up on a farm in Warren county, Illinois. He worked for the State Highway Department, eventually becoming employed as a railway postal clerk. He also farmed most of his life. A bequest from his estate was received in 2007 to fund this scholarship. Continue reading “Glenn Coursey Agriculture Scholarship”

Non-Traditional Scholarship Application

Eligibility Requirements:

To apply for the Educational Foundation Non-Traditional Student Scholarship, an applicant must: Continue reading “Non-Traditional Scholarship Application”

Betty Moates Science and Technology Scholarship

For students pursuing a major in medical technology, chemistry, biology, mathematics, or an education major to teach in one of the aforementioned majors. Continue reading “Betty Moates Science and Technology Scholarship”

Independent Order of Odd Fellows

The Sovereign Grand Lodge