Application Deadline Update:
The Ben DeFelice, Horizon Scholarship, and CIRA applications are open October 15, 2025 – January 15, 2026, 11:59PM. Since its inception in 2005, Northwest Federal Credit Union Foundation has awarded over $2.3 million to more than 473 scholarship award recipients.
Ben DeFelice Scholarship Program Rules
The Ben DeFelice Scholarship pays tribute to Mr. DeFelice, NWFCU’s longest running Chairman of the Board (31 years) and nine-year veteran of the Board of NWFCU’s subsidiary, Northwest Financial Advisors. Mr. DeFelice exemplified leadership and commitment in school, at home, and in the community.
Click here to review program rules and eligibility.
The number of applications that can be accepted for the Ben DeFelice Program is capped at 250 due to cost and application review resources. Please submit your application as soon as possible to ensure that your application can be accepted for review in the event we reach application capacity. Once 250 applications are received you will no longer be able to submit an application.
Horizon Scholarship Program Rules
The Horizon Scholarship Program is a high school and undergraduate scholarship opportunity for applicants who clearly demonstrate financial need and articulate a strong example of overcoming adversity through their application.
Click here to review program rules and eligibility.
The number of applications that can be accepted for the Horizon Scholarship Program is capped at 125 due to cost and application review resources. Please submit your application as soon as possible to ensure that your application can be accepted for review in the event we reach application capacity. Once 125 applications are received you will no longer be able to submit an application.
CIRA Scholarship Rules
The Central Intelligence Retirees Association (CIRA) is comprised of current and former CIA employees and contractors who recognize the sacrifices made by Agency employees and their families. In 2007, the CIA partnered with the NWFCU Foundation to create the CIRA Scholarship Program to reduce the barriers of the children and grandchildren of current and former CIA employees to furthering their education. The CIA believes that investing CIRA funds in education is in line with the spirit of continuing interest in the development and well-being of the Agency and its people.
Click here to review program rules and eligibility.
The number of applications that can be accepted is capped at 125 due to cost and application review resources—we usually receive fewer than 125 applications. Please submit your application as soon as possible to ensure that your application can be accepted for review in the event demand is higher than average. Once 125 applications are received you will no longer be able to submit an application.
