Sons of Norway Foundation Scholarships
Offered by Sons of Norway Foundation
About This Scholarship
Sons of Norway is a Minneapolis-based fraternal benefit society founded in 1895 by Norwegian immigrants, and its charitable foundation runs one of the larger heritage-based scholarship programs in the country. The foundation awards about 35 scholarships each year, more than $148,000 in the most recent cycle, through a single online application that covers roughly 20 named funds.
Most awards range from $1,000 to $4,000 for one year. They support undergraduate, graduate, and technical or vocational study in the United States, as well as a year at a Norwegian folk high school, a Norwegian university, or the Oslo International Summer School. Some funds have a specific focus: the Dan and Betty Rude Scholarship supports elementary education majors, the Elaine Nelson Scholarship covers education, agriculture, or business, and the Nancy Lorraine Jensen Memorial Scholarship can pay up to full tuition for women in science and engineering.
Membership is a major advantage but not always required. Many funds are reserved for Sons of Norway members or their children and grandchildren, often with at least one year of membership. Others, including the Bernt Anker, Lund Fund, Orel and Marie Winjum, and King Olav V heritage scholarships, are open to non-members. Applicants take an eligibility quiz that shows every fund they qualify for, so there is no need to pick a single scholarship up front.
Eligibility
- Requirements vary by fund; the foundation's eligibility quiz shows which scholarships you qualify for
- Many funds require Sons of Norway membership, or being the child or grandchild of a member, typically for at least one year (three years for the Nancy Lorraine Jensen Memorial Scholarship)
- Several funds are open to non-members, including Bernt Anker ($3,000 per year, ages 18-25), Lund Fund ($3,000), Orel and Marie Winjum ($2,000), and the King Olav V Norwegian-American Heritage Scholarship ($3,000)
- Most funds are for U.S. citizens; age ranges vary by fund (commonly 17-26)
- Levels covered include undergraduate, graduate, technical/vocational, Norwegian folk high school, and the Oslo International Summer School
How To Apply
- Review the scholarship grid on the Sons of Norway Foundation Scholarships page and take the eligibility quiz
- Click Apply Now on the foundation page and create an account (save your username and password, since you will reuse them)
- Prepare your essay responses about why you are applying and your connection to Sons of Norway, and line up two recommenders' email addresses
- Submit the completed application by January 15; letters of recommendation can arrive shortly after the deadline
- Awards are announced in late spring for the following academic year
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a Sons of Norway member to apply?
Not for every scholarship. Some funds require membership or a member parent or grandparent, but others, such as the Bernt Anker, Lund Fund, and Winjum scholarships, are open to non-members. The foundation's eligibility quiz lists every fund you qualify for.
Can I use a scholarship to study in Norway?
Yes. Several funds support a year at a Norwegian folk high school, a Norwegian university, or the Oslo International Summer School, alongside funds for study in the United States.
Do recommendation letters have to be in by January 15?
No. The application itself must be complete and submitted by January 15, but the foundation says letters of recommendation do not have to meet that deadline. It is still best to have them arrive as soon as possible.