SAFE Foundation Scholarship Program
Offered by SAFE Foundation (Sports Field Management Association)
About This Scholarship
Every stadium, ballpark, and soccer complex depends on sports field managers, and the SAFE Foundation, the charitable arm of the Sports Field Management Association, funds the students entering that profession. Since its inception the Foundation has presented more than $225,000 in scholarships and conference travel to more than 120 students planning careers in the sports turf industry.
Each year SAFE awards several named scholarships, including the Dr. James Watson scholarship sponsored by The Toro Company, the Dr. Fred Grau award for the top two-year student, and the Darian Daily Legacy Scholarship, which grants $2,500 to up to two students annually. Additional awards may be made depending on funding. Applicants are judged on academic preparation, hands-on experience in sports turf management, references from a faculty adviser and an employer, campus involvement, and career objectives.
The 2026 application is open now, and the deadline for all SAFE scholarship and grant applications is October 15.
Eligibility
- Full-time student enrolled or enrolling at an accredited U.S. educational institution (two-year, four-year, and graduate students considered across the named awards)
- Planning a career in the sports turf / sports field management industry
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (Darian Daily Legacy Scholarship)
- References from a faculty adviser and an employer
How To Apply
- Complete the online application at sportsfieldmanagement.org — the 2026 SAFE Scholarship application is open now
- Request your faculty adviser form and employer reference form; all materials must be submitted electronically
- Submit everything by October 15, 2026 (if October 15 falls on a weekend, the first business day after)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should apply for a SAFE scholarship?
Students pursuing sports field management careers — turfgrass science, horticulture, and related majors — with hands-on field experience. Both two-year and four-year students are considered, and the Watson award covers graduate students.
How much are the awards?
The Darian Daily Legacy Scholarship pays $2,500 to up to two students a year; other named awards vary, and SAFE may add scholarships depending on funding availability.