The Funeral Service Foundation Now Accepting Academic Scholarship Applications for Fall 2025

The Foundation will award more than 25 scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 USD to students of funeral service, including military veterans, this fall

Brookfield, Wis.  – The Funeral Service Foundation is accepting academic scholarship applications through November 1 at FuneralServiceFoundation.org. More than 25 scholarships, ranging from $2,500 to $5,000, are available to current students of funeral service and military veterans who meet the eligibility criteria. 

Since offering its first academic scholarship in 2002, the Joseph E. Hagan Memorial Scholarship, the Foundation has gone on to establish scholarships in memory of Shipley Rose Buckner, Mark Hornibrook & Harry Pontone, Steve Mack, Louis & Josephine Pontone, Dennis Schoepp, and Jack Springer with CANA, Todd Van Beck, and in honor of APFSP, John Carmon, Bob Horn, Steve Lang, and Funeral Directors Life. The Memorial Classic Scholarships are funded by proceeds from The Tom Johnson Memorial Classic annual golf event; Foundation ’45 Scholarships are awarded in recognition of the Foundation’s founding year, 1945. The Foundation also promotes the Brenda Renee Horn and Steve Mack Memorial Scholarships in partnership with the SCI National Scholarship Program. 

The Foundation is also honored to award the inaugural Tom Johnson Memorial scholarship this fall to a worthy student. Jake Johnson, Tom’s son and a former Foundation Trustee himself, said, “It’s an honor for our family to see this scholarship named in memory of my father. He built his life and career on strong relationships, and he believed that service, integrity and connection were at the heart of funeral service. This scholarship reflects those values and will help support future professionals who are equally committed to making a meaningful impact in their communities.”

Academic Scholarships for Students of Funeral Service
Scholarships are open to full- or part-time students in who are in good standing and enrolled in ABFSE- or Canadian-accredited institutions/programs. Candidates must be attending classes and actively pursuing a degree in funeral service at the time of application. Students who are enrolled but have not yet begun coursework at the time of application are not yet eligible to apply for these scholarships. Paid directly to institutions, the scholarships offset the costs associated with tuition, fees, books and supplies.

Academic Scholarships for U.S. and Canadian Military Veterans
A $5,000 Journey to Serve Scholarship is available this fall to U.S. or Canadian military veterans who are 18 years of age or older at the time of application and who are currently enrolled or accepted into in an ABFSE- or Canadian-accredited funeral service program. The $2,500 Hunter M. Harbeson Memorial Scholarship is also open to U.S. military veterans who are 18 years of age or older at the time of application and who are currently enrolled or accepted into in an ABFSE-accredited funeral service program.

Application Process
Using a common application format, all academic scholarship candidates are required to answer five questions in no more than 250 words per question and submit a brief video no longer than two minutes. Military veteran candidates will also be asked to supply an overview of their military service. 

Applicants are also required to provide the following support materials by the November 1 deadline:

• Most recent transcripts from the ABFSE- or Canadian-accredited institution
• A letter of good standing from the institution’s registrar, bursar or financial office
• A letter of recommendation from an instructor or program director

Late applications are not accepted. Those who miss the deadline will have the chance to apply again in 2026. Those who have applied in the past but have not been awarded an academic scholarship from the Foundation are encouraged to re-apply.

The scholarship program is supported by generous donors who share the Foundation’s vision for fostering the next generation of resilient, adaptable and compassionate leaders through education. Gifts of all sizes enable the Foundation to make education more accessible to funeral service students and professionals. To make a donation, visit FuneralServiceFoundation.org/DonateNow and select “Scholarship Funds” as your project designation.  

LINKS: 

About the Funeral Service Foundation – FuneralServiceFoundation.org
Since 1945, the Funeral Service Foundation has served as the philanthropic voice of the funeral profession and has identified as the charitable arm of the National Funeral Directors Association since 1997. Donors and volunteer leaders profession-wide support the Foundation in its mission to lift up grieving communities by investing in people and programs that strengthen funeral service. 

April 4, 2025

Losing a loved one is an emotional and challenging time, and navigating the funeral process can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s your first time making funeral arrangements or you’re unsure about certain aspects of the process, it’s natural to have many questions. Understanding the typical procedures and options available can help ease the burden during this difficult time. Here are some of the most frequently asked funeral questions and their answers to guide you through the process. 1. What is the difference between a funeral and a memorial service? A funeral typically involves a ceremony held with the body of the deceased present, either before or during burial or cremation. It often includes a viewing or wake, where family and friends can pay their respects. A memorial service , on the other hand, takes place after the body has been buried or cremated and does not involve the presence of the body. Memorial services may be held in various settings, such as homes, churches, or other venues, and can be personalized to reflect the life of the deceased. 2. What is embalming, and is it required? Embalming is a process that involves preserving the body to delay decomposition, usually for viewing purposes. It is not legally required in most places but may be necessary if the body is to be displayed at a public service or transported over long distances. In cases where there will be no viewing, embalming is typically not needed. However, certain states or countries may have regulations about embalming or the timing of burial. It’s important to check with the funeral home to determine what’s required in your area. 3. How much does a funeral cost? The cost of a funeral can vary greatly depending on factors like location, the type of service, and the funeral home you choose. There are options to help manage funeral expenses, such as cremation (which can be less expensive than burial), choosing a less elaborate service, or purchasing a funeral plan in advance. 4. What is cremation, and how does it differ from burial? Cremation involves the process of reducing the body to ashes. Many people choose cremation for its simplicity, lower cost, and flexibility in how the ashes can be kept, scattered, or interred. Some people opt for a cremation memorial service, where the ashes are present but there is no body. Burial , on the other hand, involves placing the body in a casket and then burying it in a cemetery. This option may include the purchase of a grave plot, headstone, and other related services. The choice between cremation and burial depends on personal, cultural, and religious preferences. 5. What are the steps in planning a funeral? Planning a funeral typically involves the following steps: Notify family and friends : Reach out to close family and friends and inform them of the passing. Choose a funeral home : Select a funeral home to help with arrangements, including embalming (if applicable), obtaining necessary permits, and coordinating transportation. Select the type of service : Decide on whether you want a funeral, memorial, or graveside service. You’ll also need to choose the location and any religious or cultural elements to incorporate. Choose a casket or urn : Select a casket for burial or an urn for cremation. There are many styles and price ranges to choose from. Plan the ceremony : Work with the funeral director to plan the service, including music, readings, eulogies, and floral arrangements. Arrange for transportation : The funeral home will coordinate the transportation of the body to the service and burial or cremation site. 6. Should I pre-plan a funeral? Pre-planning a funeral is a personal choice. Many people choose to pre-plan to relieve their loved ones of the burden of making arrangements during a time of grief. Pre-planning allows you to specify your wishes for the service, casket, burial, and other aspects of the funeral, ensuring your desires are respected. Additionally, pre-paying for a funeral can help protect your family from rising costs in the future. However, it’s important to carefully consider pre-planning options, as funeral costs can vary, and you’ll want to ensure that the plan is flexible and fully understood by the family members who will carry out your wishes. 7. What are the options for scattering ashes? If you choose cremation, there are many options for what to do with the ashes: Scattering : Many people choose to scatter the ashes in a location that had significance to the deceased, such as a favorite park, beach, or nature spot. Keepsake urns : Some families choose to keep a portion of the ashes in a special urn or piece of jewelry. Interment : Ashes can be interred in a family plot or at a cemetery, either in a niche or within a memorial garden. Other creative options : There are many creative options for commemorating the deceased, including turning ashes into diamonds or using them to create a memorial reef. 8. What is a death certificate, and why is it important? A death certificate is an official document issued by a governmental authority that confirms the death of a person. It is essential for handling legal and financial matters, such as settling the deceased’s estate, claiming life insurance, and closing accounts. The funeral home typically assists in obtaining several copies of the death certificate. 9. Can I personalize a funeral service? Absolutely! Many families choose to personalize the funeral service to reflect the deceased’s personality, passions, or hobbies. You can incorporate meaningful music, photos, special readings, or even display personal items that were important to the deceased. The funeral director can help guide you through creative options for personalization. 10. What should I do if I can’t attend the funeral? If you’re unable to attend the funeral in person, consider sending flowers, a sympathy card, or making a charitable donation in the deceased’s honor. If the family holds a memorial service, they may also offer the option to participate virtually, such as through a livestream. It’s always thoughtful to express your condolences in any way possible. Funeral planning can be complex, but understanding the answers to these frequently asked questions can help make the process easier to navigate. Whether you are arranging a funeral for a loved one or pre-planning your own, it’s important to take the time to make informed decisions. By doing so, you can create a meaningful, respectful ceremony that honors the life and memory of the deceased, while providing comfort to those who are grieving.

Amato and Thebo Announced as Recipients of Fall 2024 Second-Career Scholarships

LINCOLNSHIRE, IL — January 22, 2025 — The Selected Educational Trust has announced the two latest recipients of its signature Second-Career Scholarship Program. The recipients, Calvin Amato and Dachota Thebo, were awarded scholarships in the amount of $1,500 each. 

Running for 15 years and awarding more than 60 scholarships, this program was created to meet the educational needs of the increasing number of second-career professionals entering independent funeral service seeking positions as funeral directors, embalmers and future leaders. 

Calvin Amato, set to graduate from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in December 2025, comes to the funeral service profession after working more than a decade in hospitality management and quality assurance. “While my previous decade-long career provided me with a wealth of experience and knowledge, there was always a nagging sense of longing for something more,” said Amato. “I believe that my unique blend of experiences and skills paired with my vision will enable me to make a meaningful contribution to the future of funeral service. By staying attuned to the needs of the families I serve, embracing innovation and change, and working collaboratively with my colleagues and mentors, I am confident that I can help shape a more compassionate and responsive profession.”

Dachota Thebo is currently enrolled at Fine Mortuary College in Norwood, MA, where she has maintained perfect attendance and earned a spot on the Dean’s List each term while simultaneously working full-time, parenting three active children, and supporting her active-duty submariner husband on the home front during long deployments, often with no communication.  “Upon graduation, I expect to find employment with an independently-owned funeral home where I can focus on restoration and help provide personalized services to families,” said Thebo. “The personal connection with families is what draws me to the field and solidifies my decision to make this my new career path.”

“Each year, the review committee for this scholarship program pours over upwards of 50 applications, each submission more impressive than the last. Calvin and Dachota impressed us with their passion and commitment to the profession,” said Stefanie Favia, the Trust’s Executive Director. “It is the greatest fulfillment of the Trust’s mission, when we can continue to provide financial support in the form of educational scholarships to such deserving young professionals.” 

For more information about the Selected Educational Trust, visit www.selectedtrust.org or contact Stefanie Favia at stefanie@selectedtrust.org. 

About the Selected Educational Trust

The mission of the Selected Educational Trust (www.selectedtrust.org) is to provide the best educational opportunities for the advancement and support of all who work within the independent funeral service profession. To fulfill this mission, the Trust provides programs which offer scholarships to mortuary science students and funeral service professionals, online education through its Institute for Exceptional Funeral Service powered by National Guardian Life Insurance Company (www.funeral-institute.org) and networking and employment opportunities through its Workforce Development Centers.

5 Must-Haves for “Funeral Fall”

DISCLAIMER: None of the F’s in FFFW stand for “facts.” Enjoy the jokes and satire.

Happy Friday, y’all! IDK about y’all- but every person I know is getting sick rn. So, I hope you’re feeling well and even if you’re not- I hope you can escape into the GIFs and good news of the FFFW for a few moments.

Days until Thanksgiving: 13
Days until Christmas: 40
Days until New Years: 47
Days until Chiefs win the Big Game: 86

Introducing The Memo by MemoryShare

MemoryShare, the #1 Live Streaming software for funeral homes, has announced a new monthly newsletter.

“The Memo” is for funeral directors to stay updated on the latest tools, pro-tips, video tricks, and technology op-eds in the funeral profession. Subscribers will get exclusive access to early offers, discounts, and feature releases.

To subscribe to The Memo, click the button below. The first 20 subscribers will receive a mystery gift!

[Subscribe Now]

5 Fall Accessories Every Funeral Pro Absolutely Needs

1. Mud-Proof Shoes That Are Also Cemetery Chic 🍁  

When the ground is soft, and the leaves are soggy, you don’t want to be the one sinking into the grave (literally). Waterproof, mud-proof shoes are the unsung heroes of funeral fashion. Bonus if they’re stylish enough to say, “I can officiate and outrun a thunderstorm.”

2. The Swiss Army of Travel Mugs ☕  

Your fall caffeine game needs to be strong. Enter the travel mug that does it all—keeps your drink hot, fits in the hearse cupholder, and has a lid secure enough to survive a brisk graveside wind. If it’s pumpkin spice, we won’t judge…much.  

3. A Coat That Says ‘Respectful Warmth’ 🧥  

It’s freezing at the graveside, but your ratty old parka isn’t cutting it anymore. A well-tailored coat in a fall-friendly color (think charcoal or navy) strikes the perfect balance between staying warm and looking like a professional who just stepped out of a catalog for emotionally supportive clothing.

4. An Umbrella That Means Business ☂️  

Forget those flimsy, dollar-store models that flip inside out at the first gust of wind. You need an umbrella that’s sturdy, sleek, and big enough to share with a grieving family member—because nothing says “support” like not letting them get drenched mid-eulogy.

5. A Lapel Pin That Brings Subtle Seasonal Sass 🍂  

Yes, you’re dressed in somber black, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add a touch of fall flair. A tasteful maple leaf or acorn lapel pin says, “I’m here for you, and I also appreciate a good seasonal aesthetic.” Just don’t go too far—this isn’t a craft fair.

Fall is unpredictable, but with these accessories, you’ll stay dry, warm, and ready for whatever the season (or your schedule) throws at you.

Trivia

Which author worked as a funeral director’s assistant?

(Click the correct answer, and you’ll get a video of a puppy. Click the wrong answer, and you’ll see someone hurting themselves.)

Answer Choices:

A) Edgar Allen Poe
B) Mary Shelly
C) Stephen King

You Otter Be Proud

Here’s some good news going on in the profession.

1. Tribute Technology Launches the Inaugural Tech-Enabled Funeral Home Awards
2. Old Lick Cemetery in Roanoke cleaned, repaired with help of national expert
3. Fifth-generation funeral director Jeff Monreal helps families grieve, celebrate loved ones