Applications for SFMA’s SAFE scholarships and grants now open

Applications are open for scholarships from the Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) and the foundation for Safer Athletic Fields for Everyone (SAFE), SFMA’s foundation. These scholarships, available for students studying turfgrass management, honor James Watson, Ph.D., and is sponsored by The Toro Co. and Fred Grau, funded by SAFE.

SFMA said SAFE may award additional scholarships. The Darian Daily Legacy Scholarship is for members’ children and stepchildren (or if the member is a legal guardian) who are not pursuing a career in the green industry.

In addition, SAFE offers a new scholarship, in honor of Paul Zwaska and presented by Beacon Athletics, which promotes diversity within the profession through an annual scholarship program for students from groups underrepresented in SFMA.

SFMA offers multiple grants, including the Leo Goertz Membership grant, sponsored by Pioneer Athletics, which provides a complimentary two-year national membership to someone who has not been a member for five years. The Gary Vanden Berg Internship grant provides reimbursement to a deserving SFMA student member who has fulfilled an internship. The Terry Mellor Continuing Education grant is awarded to a chapter member to cover the costs to come to the SFMA national conference.

The deadline to submit an application for SFMA’s grants and scholarships is Oct. 15.