Fund for Leaders has been offering scholarships for students at ELCA seminaries who are pursuing rostered ministry in the ELCA since 2000. In the 2025-2026 academic year alone, the fund will provide nearly $3.2 million in scholarships to 458 ELCA seminary students.
ELCA FFL Scholarships Core Values
Rooted in Faith
We remain grounded in Scripture, prayer, and the sacraments as we mature in faith.
Spiritual maturity emerges through intentional practices and seasons of reflection, struggle, and transformation. ELCA rostered ministers are called to be deeply rooted in the Word and the rhythms of faith, reflecting the ELCA’s emphasis on both a thoughtful theology and a vibrant spiritual life.
A successful applicant will articulate not just what they believe, but how their beliefs impact the rhythms of their daily life.
Humble Curiosity
We lead by listening and learning.
A faithful leader cultivates a posture of humility. Recognizing personal and spiritual growth often comes through collaboration, open-mindedness, and a willingness to be shaped by the experiences and insights of others.
FFL scholars should demonstrate a passion for lifelong learning. Since ELCA rostered ministers are called to guide and mentor others in their faith journeys, it is essential they lead with a spirit of continual growth and openness to learning.
Grace-Fueled Resilience
We persevere not by our own strength, but by trusting in God’s sustaining grace.
Throughout life’s challenges, we are comforted and guided by the Spirit’s presence and develop the spiritual and emotional endurance necessary for faithful ministry. As Lutherans, we know our ability to persevere is rooted in our understanding of God’s abundant grace, especially amid suffering and setbacks.
FFL hopes applicants will be vulnerable and willing to share how the Spirit’s presence has sustained them through hard times. As pastors and deacons, they will be called upon to bear witness to God’s deep and abiding love, which is often revealed in times pain, uncertainty, and fear.
Compassionate Presence
We embody Christ’s love through authentic relationships with our neighbors near and far. This love is “not [just] in word or speech, but in truth and action.” (1 John 3:18)
Ministers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ bring a heart attuned to the needs of others. Compassion shapes our calling to walk alongside the suffering, to listen deeply, and to act justly. Empathy is not optional; it is the lens through which we see and serve all that is beloved by God, including the earth.
FFL scholars should demonstrate a commitment to living and proclaiming Christ’s compassionate love in both their personal relationships as well as their public witness in local, state, national and international arenas.
Integrity and Authenticity
We lead with transparency and faithfulness to our convictions. We speak the truth in love.
Integrity calls us to align our inner beliefs with our outward actions, even when it costs us. Authenticity fosters trust and allows people to move forward with us, even when we do not all agree.
A successful FFL applicant will speak from the heart, trusting that the Spirit will equip them. We hope applicants will share about times they have maintained their core convictions when faced with competing values or priorities.
Eligibility and selection criteria vary across the different types of scholarships available. Read on for more details.*
- The ELCA Fund for Leaders Direct Full-Tuition Scholarship is for students who are beginning a degree program at an ELCA seminary and have begun the ELCA candidacy process in order to become a rostered pastor or deacon in the ELCA. Fund for Leaders Direct Full-Tuition scholarships are awarded to students in their first year of seminary and, as long as students remain eligible, funding is guaranteed for the duration of required seminary coursework.
- The ELCA Fund for Leaders Federal Chaplaincy Ministries Scholarship is for students who are attending an ELCA seminary and are preparing for ministry as a military, Veterans Administration or federal prison chaplain. These scholarships are awarded in partnership with ELCA Federal Chaplaincy Ministries.
- The ELCA Fund for Leaders Mission Developer Scholarship is for students who are rising middlers or seniors or TEEM (Theological Education for Emerging Ministries) candidates at an ELCA seminary, who are identified and nominated by their seminary and by ELCA Christian Community and Leadership (CCL) as potential mission developer candidates.
- The ELCA Fund for Leaders Synod or Congregation Scholarships are offered to ELCA seminary students by synods and congregations that have established a scholarship fund through Fund for Leaders. Eligible students will be notified by their ELCA synod if they have been nominated for this award or ELCA seminary students can check with their synods for eligibility.
- The TEEM Scholarship is for all current TEEM ELCA seminary students and those who will begin the TEEM program this current fall semester, who are taking coursework. Eligible TEEM students are identified by the ELCA seminary TEEM program directors. Awards will be applied each fall to student accounts. No application is necessary.
Application periods for Fund for Leaders scholarships vary depending on the type of scholarship but generally take place in winter or early spring.
Interested in applying? Learn more here.
*To see exceptions in eligibility and to learn more, read the Frequently Asked Questions.
Questions? Email FundforLeaders@elca.org or call 773-380-2936.
