Scholarships & Grants  

Due to generous donations from individuals as well as Illinois ASBO Regional Organizations, numerous scholarships are available to help you advance your career in school business management and further develop your skills. These scholarships and grants are an investment in the future leaders in the school industry. Look below for opportunities to grow in your chosen profession.



View a list of past scholarship
and grant recipients.

Available Scholarships & Grants

Scholarships

School Business Management Scholarships

Get help to further your education. Because of generous donations, numerous scholarships are available to help you advance your career in school business management. These scholarships are an investment in the future leaders in the school industry. Scholarship applications are available in spring and fall.

Those ineligible to receive any of the scholarships are: 1) Illinois ASBO Board of Directors, 2) Illinois ASBO Headquarters Staff and 3) members of the immediate families of those stated.

Illinois ASBO Foundation School Business Scholarships – M.S.Ed. in SBM or CSBO Certification in SBM

> Fall Semester: 4 @ $1,335 each

   Applications are accepted from the beginning of March through May 1.

> Spring Semester: 4 @ $1,335 each

   Applications are accepted from the beginning of August through October 1.

This scholarship was established through donations to the Illinois ASBO Foundation and is meant to foster the careers of new school business officials.

You can apply if you are:

  • An Illinois ASBO Member in good standing.
  • An Illinois resident.
  • Demonstrate the ability, background and interest to successfully complete the degree/program.
  • Pursuing a degree at an accredited institution in one of the following:
    • Bachelor’s Degree.
    • Master’s Degree (major emphasis in school business management of educational administration).
    • Enrolled in a Chief School Business Official certification program.

Applications are Now Closed

Illinois ASBO Foundation School Business Scholarships – Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

> Fall Semester: 4 @ $1,800 each

   Applications are accepted from the beginning of March through May 1.

> Spring Semester: 4 @ $1,800 each

   Applications are accepted from the beginning of August through October 1.

This scholarship was established through donations to the Illinois ASBO Foundation and is tailored to the needs of school business leaders to shape, lead and implement transformational changes in education policy and practices, tackle real world problems facing their school districts and make a practical impact in their communities.

You can apply if you are:

  • An Illinois ASBO Member in good standing.
  • An Illinois resident.
  • Demonstrate the ability, background and interest to successfully complete the degree/program.
  • Hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution.
  • Are enrolling/enrolled in the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies program through Northern Illinois University. Note: Preference to be given to applicants who have a professional educator license and pre-K-12 school district experience within the last five years.

Applications are Now Closed

Robert J. English School Business Scholars Award

> Fall Semester: 5 @ $2,225 each, supported by PTMA Financial Solutions

   Applications are accepted from the beginning of March through May 1.

> Spring Semester: 5 @ $2,225 each, supported by the Illinois ASBO Foundation

   Applications are accepted from the beginning of August through October 1.

This award was established to advance the field of school business administration by investing in second year or expedited CSBO licensure students enrolled in the Illinois ASBO/NIU School Business Management (SBM) Program by covering the cost of five credit hours.

You can apply if you are:

  • An Illinois ASBO Member in good standing.
  • An Illinois resident.
  • A student in good standing who has completed at least 12 credit hours of the program.
  • School Business Management Program Accepted into the expedited CSBO licensure program.

Applications are Now Closed

Regional Organization School Business Management Scholarships

The Illinois ASBO Regional Organizations providing School Business Management scholarship opportunities are:

>   Fall Semester

   Applications are accepted from the beginning of March through May 1; open to all Illinois ASBO school district members.

  • Fox River Valley Regional Organization: 1 @ $2,500
  • Northeastern Regional Organization: 1 @ $2,000
  • South Suburban Regional Organization: 2 @ $1,500 each

>   Spring Semester

     Applications are accepted from the beginning of August through October 1; open to all Illinois ASBO school district members.

  • Fox River Valley Regional Organization: 1 @ $2,500
  • South Suburban Regional Organization: 2 @ $2,500 each

 

You can apply if you are:

An Illinois ASBO member in good standing pursuing a degree at an accredited institution in one of the following:

  • Bachelor’s Degree.
  • Master’s Degree (major emphasis in school business management of educational administration).
  • Enrolled in a CSBO certification program.

Applications are Now Closed

Grants

Grants for Professional Development Conferences

Because of generous donations, numerous grants are available to assist members with their professional development and opportunities to grow in their chosen profession. Grant offerings are available in the spring and fall.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Grant >

Applications are accepted at the beginning of March through May 1 - These grants provide members with opportunities to participate more actively in the Association, advance their professional development and give them flexibility in pursuing their desired path. Make the most of this opportunity to advance your career.

Applications are Now Closed

ASBO International Annual Conference & Expo Grants >

Applications are accepted at the beginning of March through May 1 – These grants provide members with assistance to attend the 2026 ASBO International Annual Conference & Expo, October 14 through October 16, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

  • ASBO Intl. AC&E Grants, supported by the Illinois ASBO Foundation > 3 awarded
    Includes registration fee plus $500 for travel expenses.
  • ASBO Intl. AC&E Grants, supported by DuPage Regional Organization > 2 @ $1,500 each
    Applicants must be active Illinois ASBO school district members of the regional organization to apply.
  • ASBO Intl. AC&E Grant, supported by Fox River Valley Regional Organization > 1 @ $1,000
    Open to all Illinois ASBO school district members.

Applications are Now Closed

Illinois ASBO Annual Conference Grants >

Applications are accepted at the beginning of August through October 15 – These grants provide members with assistance to attend the 2027 Illinois ASBO Annual Conference, May 5 through May 7, in Schaumburg, Illinois.

  • Illinois ASBO Annual Conference Lodging Grants > 9 available
    Covers up to three nights of lodging (Tu/W/Th)
  • Illinois ASBO Annual Conference Grants, supported by DuPage Regional Organization > 2 @ $1,000 each
    Applicants must be an active member of the regional organization to apply.

Applications are Now Closed

Facilities Scholarships

Advance the Fields of School Facilities 

This scholarship was established to advance the field of school facilities. Scholarships awarded will go toward the cost of training for the CPS or CPMM exam through Illinois ASBO.

You can apply if you are:

  • You are an Illinois ASBO Active member in good standing.
  • You are employed in facilities in a school district.
  • Your participation is supported by school district (seminar attendance, CPMM or CPS training program).

To apply for an Illinois ASBO Facilities Scholarship, complete the CPMM or CPS application.
For a deadline date, please visit the CPMM or CPS event page.

If you have any questions, please contact Lynn Threewitt.