SFM Foundation Scholarship 2026
Scholarship Information

Complete Details About Funded
SFM Foundation Scholarship 2027 – Up to $15,000 for Students Affected by Workplace Injuries
The SFM Foundation Scholarship is a non-profit program designed to make college more affordable for students whose families have been impacted by a parent's work-related injury or fatality.
If you are a resident of Minnesota or Iowa and your parent was disabled or killed while working for an employer based in one of these states, you may be eligible for up to $15,000 annually. For more opportunities in the United States, explore fully funded scholarships in USA for international students.
Scholarship Benefits
SFM Foundation scholarships may be used toward the costs of attending a two-year or four-year university, college, vocational school, or graduate school. Awards range from $1,000 to $15,000 per year, and funds can be applied to tuition, books, and fees.
The scholarship is renewable for up to two years for a two-year program and up to five years for a bachelor's degree, provided requirements continue to be met. To date, the foundation has awarded 266 scholarships totaling $4.7 million since its inception.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the SFM Foundation Scholarship, you must meet the following requirements:
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Be the natural, adopted, step-child, or full dependent of a worker who was injured or killed in a work-related accident while employed by a Minnesota or Iowa based employer and entitled to benefits under the respective state's Workers' Compensation Act.
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Be a Minnesota or Iowa resident between the ages of 16 and 27 at the time of application.
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Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
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Have a high school diploma, GED, or be a high school student in good standing.
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Pursue a primary college or university degree (bachelor's or associate's), vocational education and training (certificate or license), or a master's degree from an accredited school.
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Demonstrate financial need.
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Submit a completed application.
For similar opportunities, check the latest scholarships in USA for all nationalities.
Application Period
The application period for the 2027-2028 academic year is currently open. The deadline to submit your application is March 31, 2027. It is strongly recommended to apply early, as the foundation has seen a steady increase in applicants in recent years.
Additional Special Scholarships
Each year, one applicant is selected for the following special scholarships:
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Pat Johnson Honorary Scholarship: Established in 2012, this scholarship is named in honor of Pat Johnson, a business pioneer and former leader of SFM.
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Dick Ahmann Memorial Scholarship: Established in 2018, this scholarship is named in honor of Richard "Dick" Ahmann, who embodied excellence and professionalism throughout his distinguished life.
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SFM Employee-Sponsored Scholarship: This scholarship is completely funded by the employees of SFM Mutual Insurance Company and is awarded to a new applicant who goes above and beyond to give back to the community.
How to Apply
The application process is straightforward:
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Download the Application: Visit the SFM Foundation website to download the application form in PDF format.
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Complete the Form: Fill out the form electronically or by hand, saving a copy for your records.
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Submit the Form: Send your completed application to the SFM Foundation by mail (SFM Foundation, P.O. Box 9447, Minneapolis, MN 55440-9447) or by fax (952-838-2009) before the March 31 deadline.
For application help or more information, contact Scholarship Director Debra Zorn by calling (855) 621-2076 or emailing the foundation.
For a broader view of funding options in North America, refer to financial aids for students in North America.
Final Thoughts
The SFM Foundation Scholarship is a vital resource for students whose families have been affected by workplace injuries. By providing up to $15,000 in annual support and covering a wide range of educational programs, the foundation helps students pursue their dreams without the overwhelming financial burden.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, don't miss this opportunity—submit your application before March 31, 2027. For a comprehensive list of opportunities in the United States, see the list of all open scholarships in USA.

