Scholarship Fundraising Events

I once watched a major gift officer spend ninety minutes in a couple's living room and barely mention the organization he represented. He asked about their lives. Their careers. Their family. What kept them up at night. What gave them hope. The conversation wandered through one donor's childhood – growing up poor in rural Appalachia, a teacher who changed her trajectory by believing in her when no one else did. She talked about education with the kind of passion that only comes from lived experience. He didn't learn any of this from a wealth screening report or a donor database. He learned it by listening. Six months later, she made a transformational gift to fund scholarships for first-generation college students from rural communities. The ask wasn't hard. He simply invited her to do what she already wanted to do – in a way that aligned with what he'd learned about her values. That's what listening does. It creates the foundation for everything else. In the immortal words of Jerry Panas, "The true art of asking lies in listening." I've been in this work for more than thirty-five years. And over those decades, one pattern has become unmistakable: the major gift officers who consistently produce results – not one-time wins, but sustained, long-term generosity – share a common set of instincts. Chief among them is this: they lead with questions, not asks. But here's the uncomfortable truth. Most of our fundraising systems are designed to do the opposite. We assume we know what donors care about and broadcast it back to them through one-way messaging. We build systems for efficiency and scale – not for listening. And donors can tell. They know when they're being heard and when they're being sold. The difference is visceral. When you listen, donors lean in. When you talk at them, they pull away. This isn't just good fundraising technique. It's the donor's return on investment. When people ask "what's in it for the donor?" – this is part of the answer. The feeling of being valued. Of mattering. Of genuine connection. For many donors, that experience is as meaningful as the impact their gift creates. Listening is one of a fundraiser's most important skills. It's one of what I refer to as the Seven Behaviors – disciplines that define exceptional major gift work and that I believe must become the foundation of all fundraising. Not just for the top one percent. For every donor. These seven behaviors are at the heart of my upcoming book, 𝗔 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲: 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿. The book argues that the technology now exists to operationalize these seven behaviors at scale, and that the future belongs to organizations that commit to extend these behaviors across their donor base and begin treating every donor with the dignity and respect they deserve – or, to put it simply, to treat every donor like a major donor. More to come... #aBetterWay

How I Secured a Fully Funded Scholarship to Study in France 🇫🇷 A few people have reached out to ask how I secured the Mastercard Foundation (MCF) Program scholarship for my Master's degree. I decided to share my experience here to guide those hoping to apply this year. Here’s a breakdown of my strategy:  1. Focused on MCF-Partner Universities: I streamlined my energy and applications only toward universities partnered with the MCF. Since I was focused on finding a fully-funded scholarship, this was the most direct path. You can find the list of partner universities on their website: https://lnkd.in/dgzrVuSZ  2. Started Researching Early: Once I identified my target schools, I began researching them and their programs before applications opened (typically between August and September). This gave me ample time to understand each university's specific criteria and prepare strong applications well in advance.  3. Spoke with Current Students and Alumni: I reached out for 1-on-1 conversations with students at my target universities. Understanding their experiences and getting tips was incredibly valuable. A special shoutout to Hadidja Ndahimana for all her support during my application phase!  4. Attended University and MCF Webinars: I made sure to attend webinars hosted by both the universities and the MCF. These sessions are crucial for understanding what they look for in an ideal applicant. You can find them on the universities' websites; just register and attend. They shared loads of resources that helped me immensely.  5. Tailored My Applications to MCF's Criteria: The MCF scholarship has specific criteria, such as having faced educational barriers (e.g., financial challenges), a demonstrated passion for the African continent, leadership potential, and more. I made sure my application highlighted these aspects clearly. You can find detailed information on their website and during the application process. I hope this helps anyone going through the process! If you have questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below, and I'll do my best to respond.

If you want a scholarship to study abroad, read this carefully. When I moved to Canada on a scholarship, I was later elected as the Graduate Student Representative. This position gave me the rare chance to serve on the Graduate Committee alongside professors and decision-makers. I sat with the very people who approve admissions and scholarships. I learned a lot. And today, I want to share that knowledge with you. Here are 10 wise steps that can help you get into graduate school abroad—especially with a scholarship: 1. You’re competing with the world. This is not just a local race. Your CV, Statement of Purpose, Writing Samples, and Recommendation Letters must stand out. Don't rush them. Polish them. Excellence matters. 2. Communication is key. When reaching out to professors or schools, don’t just send poor emails. Cold emails are the foundation of school applications. Introduce yourself, share your purpose, and explain how you fit into their program. 3. Don’t wait till the deadline. Scholarships often close early. Aim to finish and submit your application between September and November. Most major funding deadlines are in December. 4. Scan your documents well. Go to a proper center to scan your transcripts, certificates, and letters. Avoid using dark, blurry, or dirty files. Name your files using your official name. 5. Understand immigration issues. Don’t just apply because you want to leave your country. Understand your visa, your long-term goals, and how that school fits your journey. 6. Attend online seminars and join mentorship programs. Listen to people who have gone ahead of you. Join podcasts. Be mentored. This journey is easier when you follow those who’ve already walked it. 7. Build the right online presence. Many professors are on LinkedI. Connect with them. Follow them. But keep your page clean and purposeful. You never know who is watching. 8. Expand your school search. Don’t limit yourself to one school or one country. Open your mind. Compare options. Research more programs and apply widely. 9. Add value to your profile. Take free online courses. Attend conferences. Volunteer. Join student groups or NGOs. Take leadership roles. Learn basic research tools. Grad school is not for the lazy. Show you're ready. 10. Follow this page and stay connectNam I share real tips from my own journey, and I want to help you avoid mistakes and succeed. Grad school is not just about books. It is about clarity, purpose, preparation, and growth. Don’t just dream—plan. Work on yourself and your documents. And when the door opens, walk through it boldly.

This is the first post in a 10-part series where I’ll be sharing powerful tips and insights that helped me win fully funded scholarships to the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford. Today's post is for anyone who intends to apply this year or has tried before but is unsure about what steps to take first. The very first step to acing fully-funded scholarships is being "informed." Most applicants largely ignore this step. And in the same way, information asymmetry could lead to an imbalance in decision-making in economics, not being informed can limit your options and chances. Through my experiences and privileged interactions with other scholars, I’ve noticed that those who are well-informed before submitting applications are often successful. They may not be the smartest, but they are usually the most strategic. And strategy starts with information. Applying for scholarships is a big deal. It demands a sacrifice of your time. So, don’t feel bad if you spend hours scavenging university websites or going down rabbit holes in search of opportunities. It’s all part of the process. You must arm yourself with complete information on all issues that pertain to scholarships. There are several things to be informed about and many ways to obtain the information you desire. Here are my top recommendations: a. Webinars and Information Sessions: Don't ever get tired of attending webinars. The more information you garner, the more advantageously positioned you are. b. Scholarship Websites and Groups: This was my first source of scholarship opportunities. I leveraged Scholarship Region, Scholarships Corner, Opportunity Desk, and Opportunities for Youth. c. YouTube: YouTube is a goldmine. I remember watching several videos from Victor Agboga, Dr. Olumuyiwa Igbalajobi (Ph.D), and Samuel Ajayi. New videos from The Management Diary (Omae Joseph) and posts from Moses Udoisoh will also be very handy. d. Past Scholars: I will strongly advise that for every scholarship you apply for, you scout for past scholars, through LinkedIn, who would share more insights on how to approach your application. They often have insider information that you may not find online. When you eventually find these opportunities, you have to ask yourself these 3 questions: 1. Who is the scholarship for? Am I eligible? 2. What are the funders looking for? Leadership? Academic merit? Impact? (Think Mastercard Foundation vs. Chevening: similar scholarship structure, but they look for different types of candidates). 3. How do I apply effectively? This includes: What documents? What structure? Pro tip: My strategy for question 3 is to use a simple Google Sheet to track all my applications. I have attached a copy of the sheet to the comment section. Feel free to download and modify it to suit your interests and objectives. Next week, let's discuss writing a winning Statement of Purpose. I hope this post gets to those who desperately need this information.

I’ve helped dozens of students win scholarships. Here’s what you should never do in your application ( Don’t repeat these mistakes) Your scholarship journey should be intentional, not accidental. ⸻ 🔹 Waiting until the last minute → Many mentees missed out on opportunities simply because they started too late. 📌 Fix it: Start months in advance. Set calendar reminders for every major deadline. ⸻ 🔹 Only applying to big, well-known programs → Too often, people overlook less-known scholarships that can be easier to win. 📌 Fix it: Cast a wide net. Target smaller, community-based, minority, and non-academic scholarships. → The less obvious awards are sometimes the most accessible. ⸻ 🔹 No system for tracking applications → Juggling sticky notes, scattered emails, and countless browser tabs creates chaos and missed deadlines. 📌 Fix it: Create a simple spreadsheet to track scholarships, deadlines, requirements, and outcomes. → Stay organized and always ahead. ⸻ 🔹 Recycling the same essay for every application → Reviewers can spot generic essays from a mile away. 📌 Fix it: Personalize each essay. Reference the mission or values of each organization. → Show them exactly why you’re a great fit. ⸻ 🔹 Assuming you’re not eligible → Too many students disqualify themselves before even trying. 📌 Fix it: Apply anyway. Don’t count yourself out; let the committee make that decision. ⸻ 🔹 Not preparing recommenders in advance → Some wait too long and end up with rushed, generic recommendation letters. 📌 Fix it: Ask early. Provide your recommenders with context and plenty of time to help you shine. ⸻ 🔹 Letting rejection stop you → Giving up after a few “no’s” can mean missing out on future opportunities. 📌 Fix it: Persistence pays off. Every application increases your chances and builds your skills. ⸻ ➤ A smart scholarship search is proactive, organized, and personal. ➤ The more effort and strategy you invest, the better your results will be. ♻️ Share this with someone who needs it. #Scholarships #StudentSuccess #HigherEd #AcademicMentoring

How I Secured a Fully Funded PhD Scholarship in Germany And How You Can Too I’m not writing this as a formal guide. I’m sharing it as someone who has personally walked this path and successfully secured a fully funded PhD scholarship in Germany. You might be curious to know that I’ve actually received scholarship offers from several countries, including Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, France, Germany, and Belgium. Even after achieving my own goals, I continue to apply and explore new programs, not because I need them, but to stay updated, learn how the process evolves, and better guide new students who are aiming to win these opportunities. Over time, I’ve done deep research, reached out to professors, and learned what truly matters in a strong application. In this post, I’ll break everything down, not just the official requirements, but also the practical strategies, personal insights, and proven steps that helped me succeed. Step 1: Master the Two-Track System (It’s Not Just One Application) In Germany, funded PhDs primarily follow two paths. Understanding this is your first strategic advantage. 1.      The Individual Doctorate (Traditional): You find a professor (a "Doktorvater" or "Doktormutter") at a university who agrees to supervise you. Funding often comes from the professor's research grant or an external scholarship you secure yourself. My Tips: This is a numbers game. Don't send 10 emails; send 50+. Personalize each one. Show you’ve read their recent papers and explain how your interests align. The individual PhD path is more flexible and often leads to direct funded positions (research assistantships or project-based funding). 2.      Structured PhD Programs (Graduate Schools): These are like international programs with cohorts, courses, and a fixed salary (often TV-L E13, which is very comfortable). They are highly competitive but provide immense structure and support. My Tip: Apply broadly! Don't limit yourself to one city or university. I applied to 15 programs across Europe. Platforms like DAAD and PhDGermany are your best friends for finding these. Step 2: The "Trifecta" of a Winning Application Your application isn't just a collection of documents; it's a cohesive story. These three elements are non-negotiable. 1.      A Tailored, compelling Motivation Letter: This is your secret weapon. Don't: Use a generic template for every application. Do: Start with a powerful hook. Connect your past research directly to the professor's work or the program's focus. Explicitly state, I am applying for “Specific Project Name” because my skills in “Your Skill” are a direct match for your need to “Project Goal." CONTINUE............ SEE THE REMAINING DETAILS IN COMMENT BOX #PhD #Germany #PhDLife #AcademicTwitter #Research #Scholarship #StudyInGermany #DAAD #GradSchool #CareerAdvice

As an education consultant, one question I hear constantly is: "How can I get a fully funded scholarship to study in France?" While there's no magic formula, here's your roadmap to making it happen: ➔ Start with Strategic Research Don't just search randomly - target your research. Focus on: 📌 Eiffel Excellence Program (for master's and PhD students) 📌 Regional scholarships (some French regions offer dedicated funding) 📌 Corporate and foundation scholarships Campus France should be your first stop, but also check out individual university websites. ➔ Craft a Compelling Application Your application needs to tell your unique story.  Focus on: 📌 Creating a CV that highlights your academic excellence and relevant achievements 📌 Writing a motivation letter that connects your goals with France's academic excellence 📌 Securing strong recommendation letters from professors who know your work well. Pro tip: Create a master application file, then customize it for each scholarship's specific requirements. ➔ Master the Timeline Most French scholarships open between October and January for the following academic year. Create a spreadsheet with: 📌 Application opening dates 📌 Document submission deadlines 📌 Visa application timelines ➔ Build Your Network 📌 Attend virtual and in-person education fairs 📌 Connect with French university alumni 📌 Join online communities of international students in France 📌 Engage with Campus France representatives in your country ➔ Expert Tips: 📌 Apply to multiple scholarships to increase your chances 📌 Keep detailed records of all applications and follow-ups 📌 Start preparing at least 12 months before your intended start date Securing a fully funded scholarship is competitive but absolutely achievable with preparation and persistence. Your dream of studying in France is worth the effort! I'm rooting for you! #StudyInFrance #InternationalEducation #HigherEducation #ElevateYourProfessionalPresencewith_Amaka Amaka Ifeduba, Ph.D.

Sarah thought she’d blown the meeting with her biggest prospect. The conversation had wandered. The proposal wasn’t discussed. She left without making an ask. But that “failed” meeting led to the organization’s largest gift ever. They had met to talk about a $25,000 donation. Instead, Sarah noticed a photo on his desk and asked about it. That opened the door to an hour-long conversation about his grandfather—the person who had instilled his passion for education. In 15 years of giving, he’d never shared that story. Two weeks later, he called: “My grandfather would’ve loved your scholarship program. I’d like to fund it with $250,000.” That experience shifted Sarah’s entire approach to donor conversations. Cultivation, she realized, isn’t about guiding donors to the ask. It’s about creating space for them to connect their own stories and values to your mission. The most transformative gifts come from alignment—not persuasion. What unexpected donor conversation changed the way you fundraise?

If I needed to turn a small donor into a major gift prospect, here's exactly what I'd do (no wealth screening tool required): Most nonprofits think LinkedIn is just for job hunting. Meanwhile, your next $50k donor is scrolling their feed right now. Step 1: Deep research (15 minutes) Look at their LinkedIn profile for capacity indicators - job title, company, board memberships, volunteer work. Check if they're engaging with similar causes. This tells me if there's capacity beyond their current $500 gift. Step 2: Map their interests (not yours) Go back through your donor database. What did they give to specifically? The building fund? Scholarship program? Youth services? This becomes your entire relationship strategy - only talk about what they care about. Step 3: Personalized impact updates (monthly) Send them a quick message or email with a story about the specific program they support. Not a newsletter. Not a mass update. A real story. "Thought you'd want to know - that scholarship you funded just helped Maria graduate. Here's what she said..." Step 4: Engage on their terms If they're active on LinkedIn, comment on their posts. If they attend events, show up. If they respond to texts, text them. Meet them where they already are, don't force them into your donor cultivation process. Step 5: The natural progression ask (6-12 months in) After consistent engagement around their interests, schedule a real conversation. "I'd love to hear your thoughts on where you see our [program] going. Would you have 20 minutes for coffee?" In that meeting, you're listening - not pitching. You're learning about their vision. The major gift ask comes naturally when you understand what they want to accomplish through your organization. Most fundraisers skip steps 2-4 and wonder why the ask fails. The best major gift officers I know spend 80% of their time on relationship building and 20% on asking. P.S. - Wealth screening tools are nice, but authentic relationship intelligence beats data any day.

It is not too late to apply for that degree. The biggest reason talented people fail to graduate is not a lack of ability; it is financial constraints. There is a misconception that if you didn't get funding in September, you are out of luck for 2026. That is not true.‼️ But let’s be real about what you aren't told. Finding the bursary that fits your specific requirements is the hardest part. The application itself is usually simple, but the waiting game? That is the snag. So, I've compiled a short 3 step strategy that many of my friends already use to help the storm that is the bursary applications: 1️⃣ Get Your Papers in Order: When you know what documents you need beforehand, the stress disappears. 👉 Have your ID, academic record, and proof of income scanned and ready in a folder on your phone or laptop. 2️⃣ Read the Fine Print: Don't just apply for the title. Read the actual details: What is the allowance structure? 👉 How does the funding process work? When are the payouts? Know what you are signing up for. 3️⃣ Check Monthly: New bursaries open every single month. It is not a "once-a-year" event. Keeping yourself informed is half the battle. 👉 Commit to checking at least once a month, potentially even bi-weekly to ensure you don't miss your opportunity. To get you started, I did some digging. Here are a few funding platforms that often have late windows or rolling applications worth looking into right now: 🔹 BBD Bursary: Focuses specifically on Software Development & IT. 🔹 Nestlé Future Talent: Focuses on Engineering, Data & Finance (Closing: 9 Jan). 🔹 SASSETA Bursary: The Safety & Security SETA funding (Closing: 30 Jan). 🔹 Career Wise: A platform managing multiple corporate bursaries. (Note: Please double-check the closing dates on their official portals as they can change). 👇 Oh yeah - I ALSO FOUND 25+ MORE! I couldn't fit them all in one post, so I compiled a document with over 25 late-application bursaries closing in Jan/Feb. If you want the full list: 1️⃣Like this post (so more students see it). 2️⃣Comment "SEND" below. And I’ll DM the link to as many of you as I can! 📨 Good luck to everyone applying! 🤩🙌 💡 It is only too late if you keep waiting for tomorrow. #Bursaries2026 #Education #SouthAfrica #StudentFunding #AccessToEducation