The NIRSA Foundation is dedicated to the personal and professional development of NIRSA members.
What you need to know
Scholarships are available for students and professionals to attend the 2026 NIRSA Conference and Campus Rec Expo in National Harbor. Applicants do not need to be a NIRSA member to apply for a scholarship; however, recipients will be required to become a NIRSA member upon accepting a scholarship.
Important Dates
Applications were accepted Monday, September 15 through Saturday, November 15, 2025. Applications are now closed.
Recipients will be notified no later than Wednesday, February 11, 2026. All applicants will be notified of their application status before early bird registration ends.
Student Scholarship Opportunities
General Scholarships
available to any campus recreation student who applies through the application portal
Scholarships for LGBTQ+ students
The Braden Endowment provides scholarship opportunities for campus recreation students who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. Recipients of this grant will also receive a $750 travel stipend.
Small Program Scholarships
Scholarships are available for students attending a “Small Program” college or university. Small Program is defined as less than 5,000 enrolled students and/or no more than three campus recreation employees. This scholarship covers the cost of registration and includes a $750 travel stipend.
Professional Scholarship Opportunities
General Scholarships
need-based scholarships available to any campus recreation professional
Scholarships for LGBTQ+ students
The Braden Endowment provides scholarship opportunities for campus recreation professionals who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. Recipients of this grant will also receive a $750 travel stipend.
Small Program Scholarships
Scholarships are available for professionals attending a “Small Program” college or university. Small Program is defined as less than 5,000 enrolled students and/or no more than three campus recreation employees. The scholarship covers the cost of registration and includes a $750 travel grant.
NIRSA Foundation Travel Grants
Applicants must be a professional member in good standing for at least two years; grants will be awarded based on need to one NIRSA professional member from each NIRSA region and an additional 13 will be distributed based on need; the $750 (USD) grant is specifically designed to cover travel expenses with attending NIRSA 2026 in National Harbor (airfare, mileage, and hotel) – funds will be released in the form of a reimbursement check after NIRSA 2026; the travel grant does not include the NIRSA Conference registration fee, however, an applicant can also apply for a scholarship to attend the conference
