OPRN typically awards up to two Eileen Fitzgerald OPRN Conference Scholarships each year, each for up to $200, reimbursing, in this order, membership/conference registration, transportation, and lodging expenses. Scholarship winners will be announced a few weeks before the annual OPRN Spring Conference. Scholarship categories include:

• New Researcher Scholarship (less than 5 years research experience)
  
• Veteran Researcher Scholarship (current OPRN members only with 5+ years research experience)
  

Applications can be submitted online via our Scholarship Application page.
Applications are due by April 5, 2024

In 2008, the OPRN Conference Scholarship was named in honor of Eileen Fitzgerald, a long-time board member of OPRN who served as the organization’s president, conference chair, and membership chair, as well as many other roles. Eileen is an exemplary member of our profession. By providing this scholarship to the OPRN annual conference, or towards the attendance of an APRA conference, we hope to:

• Encourage participation by organizations and individuals whose resources for staff development are limited.
  
• Promote a baseline skill set in prospect research skills within the Ohio region nonprofit community regardless of the size or affluence of a participant’s organization.
  
• Promote networking opportunities for new development professionals.
  
• Increase awareness of OPRN and build a more diverse membership base.

If you have questions or comments, please contact the OPRN Scholarship/Awards Coordinator.