SFM Foundation Scholarship (Kids' Chance of Minnesota and Iowa)
Offered by SFM Foundation
About This Scholarship
The SFM Foundation serves as Kids' Chance of Minnesota and Kids' Chance of Iowa, and it runs one of the largest-dollar programs in the national network: scholarships range from $1,000 up to $15,000 per year for children of workers injured or killed in work-related accidents. For the 2026-27 academic year the foundation awarded 18 scholarships totaling $550,000. Funds cover tuition, books, and fees at an accredited school - bachelor's, associate's, vocational, and even master's programs qualify.
Applicants must be 16 to 27 years old, residents of Minnesota or Iowa, and the natural, adopted, step, or fully dependent child of a worker whose employer was based in Minnesota or Iowa and who was entitled to workers' compensation benefits for the injury. U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency, a high school diploma or GED (or current good standing in high school), demonstrated financial need, and a completed application round out the requirements. Applications for the 2027-28 academic year are due before March 31, 2027, submitted by mail or fax using the foundation's PDF form.
Renewal terms are among the strongest anywhere: awards renew for up to two years in a two-year program and up to five years toward a bachelor's degree, as long as the student stays enrolled full time (12 or more credits) with at least a 2.0 GPA. Three named awards - the Pat Johnson Honorary, Dick Ahmann Memorial, and SFM Employee-Sponsored Scholarships - each go to one applicant per year from the same pool.
Eligibility
- Natural, adopted, step, or fully dependent child of a worker injured or killed in a work-related accident; the employer must be based in Minnesota or Iowa and the worker entitled to workers' compensation benefits
- Between 16 and 27 years old at the time of application
- Minnesota or Iowa resident and U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- High school diploma, GED, or current high school student in good standing, pursuing a bachelor's, associate's, vocational, or master's program at an accredited school
- Demonstrated financial need
How To Apply
- Download the application PDF from sfmfoundation.com/apply (or request it from a high school counselor or by emailing the foundation)
- Complete the form electronically in Adobe Reader or by hand, and keep a copy
- Submit before March 31, 2027 by mail to SFM Foundation, P.O. Box 9447, Minneapolis, MN 55440-9447, or by fax to 952-838-2009
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for an SFM Foundation scholarship?
Minnesota or Iowa residents aged 16 to 27 whose parent was injured or killed in a work-related accident while working for an employer based in Minnesota or Iowa, with the injury covered by workers' compensation.
How much can I receive?
Awards range from $1,000 to $15,000 per year for tuition, books, and fees. The foundation awarded $550,000 across 18 scholarships for the 2026-27 academic year.
Does the scholarship renew?
Yes. Awards renew for up to two years in a two-year program and up to five years toward a bachelor's degree, provided you stay enrolled full time and keep at least a 2.0 GPA. Graduate study is also eligible.