Scholarships

The IPRA and the IPRF are proud to award scholarships and grants to eligible IPRA members, their children, and future park professionals on behalf of the Indiana Parks & Recreation Foundation. There is no standard amount awarded and each submission is considered on an individual basis taking into account all supporting information and documents.

Guidelines for Grants and Scholarships for 2026

Richard Ahrens Scholarship Fund:

  • The application period for the Richard Ahrens Scholarship Fund for Leisure Studies and Richard Ahrens Scholarship Fund for Children of IPRA Members will open Jan. 12 – May 9.    

  • Winners will be notified by Jun. 8.  

Professional development grants:

  • Spring/Summer application period is Jan. 12 – March 20th.    

  • Fall/Winter application period is July 1 – Sept. 23rd. 

IPRA Conference scholarships:

  • The application period will be open from June 1 – Sept 1st. Notification will occur by Sept 15.
Professional Development Grant

Applications for Professional Development Grant are being accepted during Jan. 12- March 20th and July 1 – Sept. 21st. 

  • The Professional Development Grant is a financial award presented to Indiana Park and Recreation Association professional members to assist in the attendance of any accredited or professionally supported schools which will enhance professional growth and contribute to the overall knowledge base of the parks and recreation profession.

    Grant applications are accepted on a continual basis.

    • Applicant must be a professional member of the Indiana Park & Recreation Association, in good standing, at the time of the application and the utilization of the grant.

    • Applicant must currently be employed in the state of Indiana in the parks and recreation profession or related field.

    • CPRP certification is preferred, but not required.

    • A professional may nominate themselves for the grant.

    • Grants must be used within one year of the date awarded.

    • Preference will be given to applicants employed with a small department.

    • Grants shall not exceed $500.00 and shall be used to offset expenses related to registration, housing, and transportation. Meal expenses and airline tickets are not eligible for funding.

  • We are accepting applications from July 1 - Sept 21st. Please apply here during the application period. Please apply here.

Richard Ahrens Scholarship Fund for Leisure Studies Grant

Applications for Richard Ahrens Scholarship for Leisure Studies Grant are being accepted during Jan. 12 – May 9th.

  • The Richard Ahrens Scholarship Fund for Leisure Studies Grant is a financial award presented annually to an undergraduate student in the leisure studies field. A grant may be awarded to one or more students. The student must meet all requirements as presented below.

    • Applicant must be a member of the Indiana Park and Recreation Association at the time of the nomination and utilization of the grant (Student Membership is free)

    • Applicant must complete and return the attached Student Financial Statement.

    • Applicant must submit a current resume.

    • Applicant must submit a written letter of recommendation from a current professor, counselor, or advisor.

    • Applicant must submit a current grade transcript from their university.

    • Applicant must have a minimum class standing of sophomore and be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university in Indiana.

    • Applicant must be in good academic standing and not on academic or disciplinary probation.

    • Applicants must possess a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale or a “B” average if an alternate grading scale is used.

    The ideal grant recipient is one who would have a 3.5 or greater cumulative GPA, have a parks and recreation related major – or – work/volunteer in parks and recreation or related field. Strong consideration will be given to candidates who have a vested interest in furthering the parks & recreation profession.

    • A student may nominate themselves for the grant

    • Preference will be given to students enrolled in an NRPA accredited program

    • Awarding of the grant will be based on a combination of the following: academic and extra-curricular achievement/involvement, financial need, and recommendations

    • Grant recipient must claim and use the grant during the fall semester of the same year the grant is awarded, or the spring semester of the following year

  • We are accepting applications until January 12, 2026 - May 9, 2026. .
Richard Ahrens Scholarship Fund for Children of IPRA Members Scholarship

Richard Ahrens Scholarships for Children of IPRA Members are being accepted during Jan. 12 – May 9th.

  • The Richard Ahrens Scholarship for Children of IPRA Members is a financial award presented annually to the child/children of an IPRA member. The applicant must meet all requirements as presented below. The scholarship may be awarded to one or more students.

    • One of the applicant's parents or legal guardian must be a professional member of the Indiana Park and Recreation Association at the time of the application and utilization of the scholarship

    • Applicant must submit a current resume

    • Applicant must complete and return the attached Student Financial Statement

    • Applicant must submit a current grade transcript from their University

    • Applicant must submit a written letter of recommendation from a current professor, counselor, or advisor

    • Applicant must have a minimum class standing of sophomore and be currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate college or advanced training program

    • Applicant must be in good academic standing and not on academic or disciplinary probation

    • Applicants must possess a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale or a “B” average if an alternate grading scale is used

    • The ideal scholarship recipient is one who would have a 3.5 or greater cumulative GPA, have a parks and recreation related major – or – work/volunteer in parks and recreation or related field. Strong consideration will be given to candidates who have a vested interest in furthering the parks & recreation profession.

    • Awarding of the scholarship will be based on a combination of the following: academic and extra-curricular achievement/involvement, financial need, and recommendations

    • Applicant is not required to be enrolled in a parks and recreation curriculum or an NRPA accredited program

    • Applicant must claim and use scholarship during the fall semester of the same year the scholarship is awarded or the spring semester of the following year

  • We are accepting applications until May 9th, 2026.

IPRA Conference Scholarship

Applications for the IPRA Conference Scholarship will be accepted through Sept 1st. Notification will occur by Sept 15th

  • The Indiana Park & Recreation Foundation is excited to announce it will be awarding scholarships to the IPRA Annual Conference & Expo.

    It is our hope to extend this amazing opportunity to even more professionals in the field, particularly those who have been unable to participate in the IPRA Conference in the past.

    This expansion of the IPRF Scholarship Program will enable additional outstanding professionals to attend IPRA's Annual Conference and interact with and learn from some of the most experienced professionals in the field. Scholarship recipients receive a complimentary full registration to the IPRA Annual Conference and Expo that includes all education, networking, expo and social events, as well as pre-conference educational tours of innovative programs and facilities.

    • Current IPRA member in good standing;

    • Currently employed by a parks & recreation department (full-time);

    • Two years of experience in field (preferred, not required);

    • Preference will be given to those individuals and departments who are attending the IPRA Conference for the first time, or have not attended for 3 or more years.

    • (no travel reimbursement will be available at this time)

    • Scholarship applications are received, reviewed, and scored by the IPRA Foundation Board. Applicants will be notified whether their application was approved for funding.

    • Scholarship recipients will attend the Annual Conference & Expo.

    • Recipients will attend the IPRA Awards Banquet and be recognized.

    • Recipients are expected to write a brief synopsis about their experiences at the IPRA Conference to be shared with IPRA members via our website, e-newsletter and/or magazine.

    • If you have any questions regarding your application, please contact Lisa Nye at lnye@inpra.org.

  • We are accepting applications through Sept 1st. Please apply during the application period .

    APPLY HERE