The 2020 CM CARES Religious Scholarship Program
For the fourth year in a row, CM CARES, the Church Mutual Insurance Foundation, will award up to $250,000 in scholarships to deserving graduate-level religious scholars. Fifty scholarship winners will each receive a $5,000 award that may be used to pay for tuition, fees, books or other costs of attending school during the 2020-21 academic year. Students of all faiths may apply.
To be eligible for this scholarship, a student must:
Be enrolled or be planning to enroll in a full-time or part-time*, graduate or doctorate religious studies program** at an accredited or conditionally accredited*** United States theological seminary, college, or university of higher learning, for the entire 2020-21 academic year.
Usually a minimum of 6 credits; however, this varies by school. If you are unsure whether you are enrolled part-time, please check what your school’s part-time enrollment policy is.
Applicants must be pursuing a master’s or doctorate degree in an area of religious study. This can be any area of religious study provided the applicant intends to enter full-time ministry following completion of studies.
Institutions in the process of achieving accreditation.
Demonstrate personal impact throughout education, work experiences, and volunteerism.
Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent.
Be committed to entering the practice of full-time ministry* in the United States** following completion of studies.
Full-time ministry includes holding a paid leadership position within a church body as a primary means of income.
Must be physically within the United States.
International applicants are not eligible to apply for this program. Each scholarship is a one-time, non-renewable award. Previous winners are not eligible.
Program details:
The application window runs Feb. 12 through April 8.
Applicants can apply online at www.churchmutual.com/cmcares-scholars.
Applicants cannot apply via email or direct mail – they must apply online via the portal.
Students of all faiths are encouraged to apply.
The program is open to full and part-time students across the country who are enrolled in a graduate or doctorate religious studies program at an accredited or conditionally accredited theological seminary, college or university.
Winners will be announced in June 2020.
Please contact Jenny Fecteau with questions regarding this information at jfecteau@churchmutual.com.