CFNIL’s scholarship funds were created by donors who recognize the importance of helping students achieve their educational goals, now and in perpetuity. The funds’ creators selected the criteria based on their interests and the community’s need. Many of CFNIL’s scholarships are memorials, which celebrate the life and passions of individuals. The applications are read and scored by committees of volunteers who use a “blind” review process and make recommendations to CFNIL’s Board of Trustees. Scholarship recipients are announced in late April. Awards are sent directly to the recipient’s post-secondary institution.
The purpose of the Era L. and Frances L. Walker Scholarship is to provide educational resources for African-American males to pursue higher education. Applicants must be a graduating senior from a Rockford public high school. Students must have been involved in community service and volunteerism and share values including the importance of family, service to one's community and the compassionate treatment of others. Dollar amounts will vary.