Scholarship Info
2026 Scholarship Competition
DEADLINE MARCH 2026
Application Period Opens January 1, 2026
Application Period Closes March 15,2026
3-13-2026 Notice
Smarter Select had to make some repairs and it may effect your ability to log-in to an application that has already been started. Smarter Select provided this fix so you will be able to log-in to your existing application, make changes/additions and submit. Please remember applications are due March 15, 2026 before Midnight.
- Good afternoon. We have just uploaded some critical fixes and now ask users to clear their cache, close down the browser completely and then relaunch the browser. They can then return to their accounts and they should have no further issues.
- Clearing browser cache
View FAQ
Web browsers store information from the web pages that you frequent in order to load them quicker the next time you visit the page. This takes the strain of off your internet connection and leads to a overall faster browsing experience.
Your cache can also cause issues when browsing. This typically happens when the page information saved differs from what you are trying to view or enter into the site. This can cause random errors such as, saying your username or password is wrong, even if you typed it in correctly. Error messages may appear stating something is not entered correct on applications, or that the information you filled in is not correct, and other random glitches. When you get a random error like this on any site the first thing to try is clearing your cache.
If you are not sure how to clear your cache with the browser you are using, we have some links below to help you.
Google Chrome (Choose windows or Mac using the tabs at the top):
http://www.refreshyourcache.com/en/chrome-27/
Chrome for android:
http://www.refreshyourcache.com/en/chrome-android/
Chrome for IOS:
http://www.refreshyourcache.com/en/chrome-ios/
Mozilla Firefox (Choose windows or Mac using the tabs at the top):
http://www.refreshyourcache.com/en/firefox-20/
Safari:
http://www.refreshyourcache.com/en/safari-5/
Safari for IOS:
http://www.refreshyourcache.com/en/safari-mobile/
Internet Explorer:
http://www.refreshyourcache.com/en/internet-explorer-11/
Opera (Choose windows or Mac using the tabs at the top:
http://www.refreshyourcache.com/en/opera-12/
Android Mobile Browser:
http://www.refreshyourcache.com/en/android-native/
Internet Edge:
https://packard-bell-scandic.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/38047/~/microsoft-edge%3A-how-to-clear-browser-history-and-cache
Remember when you are done clearing your cache, close the browser and relaunch it. This should correct browser cache issues.
The application process is through an online service which we hope you will find much more user-friendly. You will need to create a user name and password.
The IFCA Foundation Annual Scholarship Program runs from January 1 – March 15 each year. The application and instructions are posted on this site January 1. Scholarship recipients are notified in early May.
In 1983, the IFCA Foundation Scholarship Program awarded its first scholarships. This program began with memorial gifts dedicated in honor of deceased Fire Service personnel and those supportive of the Fire Service. They were designed as a vehicle for expressing a lasting and continuing remembrance of loved ones that will have long lasting returns through the education and training of these future Fire Service leaders within the State. Scholarships are designed to permit individuals within the State to further their formal education, certification and training through attendance at approved courses designed for this specific purpose. As the program grew monies were donated by individuals, organizations, businesses and the annual IFCA Foundation Golf Outing & Raffle.
Scholarships are awarded in the following categories:
- College Level
- Fire Officer Certification
- Fire Service Training
Scholarships for college courses are designed to be utilized for attendance at institutions of higher learning in Fire Service related fields. Scholarships for certification and training courses are designed to be utilized in attendance at OSFM approved institutions and for certifications approved by OSFM. The Scholarship Committee of the Foundation, which consists of Fire Service professionals from across the State, prepares guidelines for the program. These guidelines are then approved by the full Board of Directors of the Foundation.
Any questions can be directed to the IFCA Office at 847.966.0732 or by email info@illinoisfirechiefs.org
In 1983, the first year of grants, the Foundation awarded seven scholarships, totaling $4,400.00. There were thirty-four applicants for these grants. In subsequent years, these numbers have grown, as follows:
| YEAR |
AMOUNT
AWARDED |
NUMBER
AWARDED |
|
| Totals |
$2,239,225.00 |
2994 |
6777 |
| 2025 |
$66,000.00 |
77 |
145 |
| 2024 |
$63,000.00 |
70 |
140 |
| 2023 |
$60,500.00 |
71 |
140 |
| 2022 |
$54,500.00 |
68 |
123 |
| 2021 |
$58,500.00 |
80 |
170 |
| 2020 |
$59,000.00 |
73 |
140 |
| 2019 |
$59,000.00 |
71 |
150 |
| 2018 |
$56,000.00 |
74 |
160 |
| 2017 |
$63,400.00 |
94 |
208 |
| 2016 |
$62,100.00 |
89 |
214 |
| 2015 |
$75,900.00 |
89 |
157 |
| 2014 |
$88,100.00 |
124 |
237 |
| 2013 |
$89,100.00 |
112 |
258 |
| 2012 |
$81,300.00 |
110 |
241 |
| 2011 |
$63,500.00 |
85 |
234 |
| 2010 |
$76,500.00 |
100 |
327 |
| 2009 |
$74,500.00 |
93 |
254 |
| 2008 |
$74,000.00 |
94 |
260 |
| 2007 |
$73,000.00 |
93 |
269 |
| 2006 |
$68,000.00 |
89 |
180 |
| 2005 |
$55,500.00 |
77 |
183 |
| 2004 |
$54,500.00 |
75 |
213 |
| 2003 |
$51,500.00 |
77 |
215 |
| 2002 |
$54,500.00 |
76 |
225 |
| 2001 |
$63,500.00 |
83 |
165 |
| 2000 |
$58,000.00 |
79 |
121 |
| 1999 |
$61,500.00 |
77 |
139 |
| 1998 |
$66,500.00 |
81 |
171 |
| 1997 |
$56,875.00 |
74 |
136 |
| 1996 |
$45,375.00 |
67 |
150 |
| 1995 |
$45,375.00 |
65 |
133 |
| 1994 |
$43,000.00 |
62 |
125 |
| 1993 |
$35,000.00 |
50 |
130 |
| 1992 |
$28,500.00 |
43 |
102 |
| 1991 |
$29,500.00 |
43 |
87 |
| 1990 |
$25,600.00 |
39 |
91 |
| 1989 |
$22,800.00 |
38 |
64 |
| 1988 |
$22,800.00 |
37 |
66 |
| 1987 |
$18,400.00 |
32 |
65 |
| 1986 |
$14,000.00 |
30 |
56 |
| 1985 |
$11,100.00 |
17 |
56 |
| 1984 |
$5,100.00 |
9 |
43 |
| 1983 |
$4,400.00 |
7 |
34 |