OGR Foundation Opens Application Period Through End of Year
INDIANAPOLIS (November 7, 2025) – The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) Foundation has opened its 2025 Awards of Excellence scholarship application period.
A total of $10,000 will be awarded to six mortuary science students who distinguish themselves through academic performance, community involvement, and a commitment to serving grieving families with compassion, fairness, and dignity.
To be eligible, students must be enrolled in a mortuary science degree program and be scheduled to graduate during the 2026 calendar year. The online application form and additional criteria are available at OGR.org/scholarship. The application period will close at midnight on December 31, 2025.
“Investing in the next generation of funeral service professionals is essential to the future of our profession,” said Chris Miller, Chair of the OGR Foundation Board. “Our scholarship program is designed to support students who demonstrate a commitment to serving independent funeral homes and to providing compassionate care to families. We hope that these scholarships will provide an additional resource to help them succeed as they embark on this meaningful career path.”
“This scholarship has meant the world to me, not just because it helps ease the financial burden, but because it’s a powerful reminder that people in this profession care deeply about lifting up the next generation,” said Jesse Currens, 2025 scholarship recipient. “You’re not just funding education; you’re planting seeds of service and compassion that will grow for years to come.”
This year’s top scholarship recipient will also receive complimentary registration, travel, and accommodations for OGR’s signature annual conference, PROGRESS, being held May 5-7, 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Scholarships are funded by generous donations from individual and corporate donors. To see a list of all donors, visit OGR.org/virtual-tribute-wall.
About the International Order of the Golden Rule Foundation
The Foundation is the charitable arm of the Order of the Golden Rule and a registered nonprofit under IRS Tax Code 501(c)(3). Its mission is to fund, perform, and support activities on behalf of OGR that advance the standards of funeral service or contribute to the compassionate care of individuals in need. Learn more and make your tax-deductible donation at OGR.org/Foundation.
