Annual Conference Grants

Conference attendance allows people to meet one another, as well as learn and discuss issues and ideas relevant to their work.  As such, members are encouraged to apply for SHRM Annual Conference & Expo grants.

Eligibility

• To be eligible for an award, applicants must be ONE of the following:               
  • Employed (full or part-time)
  • Unemployed and Full-Time Student
  • Have a SHRM membership through June 30 of the year the award is accepted 
  • Not be registered for the conference 
  • Not have received a SHRM Annual Conference & Expo award in the past five years
     

Selection Criteria

Applications are reviewed and scored by groups of SHRM volunteers and are reviewed by staff. The review committee will select individuals whom they believe are most likely to leverage this learning opportunity. They will seek candidates who are eager to learn and plan to apply the skills and knowledge gained to benefit their careers, their organizations, and their communities. HR professionals who are new to the field are encouraged to apply. All decisions are final.

SHRM25 Registration Grant Distribution 

If selected to receive a SHRM Foundation Annual Conference and Expo grant, a member of the SHRM Foundation team will work with the recipients on Annual Conference registration only. 

SHRM25 Registration & Hotel Grant Distribution 

If selected to receive a SHRM Foundation Annual Conference and Expo grant, a member of the SHRM Foundation team will work with the recipients on Annual Conference registration and hotel bookings. Recipients are responsible for scheduling travel plans and submitting all itemized travel-related invoices/receipts not to exceed $750. (i.e., flight, meals, gas, tolls, taxi/Uber, etc.).

Please note, the SHRM Foundation does not reimburse for any fees or expenses incurred by applicants prior to being awarded the professional development grant. SHRM/SHRM Foundation employees or board members and the immediate family are not eligible to apply for SHRM Foundation Scholarships, Grants, or Awards.

HR Tomorrow Leadership Program Purpose

HR Tomorrow Leadership Program (HR Tomorrow) is a leadership development program established for emerging HR professionals who have 2-4 years of experience in the HR field. The purpose of the program is to strengthen the HR field by providing emerging professionals from groups that are currently underrepresented, in the HR sector, with the resources and support they need to develop leadership qualities that in turn strengthen the sector with greater opportunity, growth, diversity, and innovation. 

Up to 10 emerging professionals from underrepresented groups will participate in this year-round leadership program and receive: 

• a complimentary year extension of their SHRM membership;
• a grant to attend SHRM’s Annual, Inclusion, and Talent conferences, participating in a curated schedule of leadership sessions and networking activities and events; 
• receive a grant to take the certification exam and access to the learning system;
• access to all of SHRM Foundation’s mentorship activities throughout the year

Eligibility

1) HR Professional with 2-4 years of experience in the field 

2) SHRM member

3) Be a member of an underrepresented group within the HR sector, as defined by the SHRM Foundation. Underrepresented groups include: 

• BIPOC,
• Justice Impacted Individuals
• LGBTQ+,
• Men,
• People with Disabilities,
• Veterans/Military Partner/Caregiver 

Program Expectations

By applying to the HR Tomorrow, you are agreeing to:  

• Participate in Annual Conference from June 29- July 2, 2025, Inclusion Conference October 26-29, 2025, and Talent Conference April 2026
• Register and test for the SHRM Certification Exam during the Winter 2024-2025 cycle 
• Receive information from our sponsors, which are committed to strengthening the HR field and diversifying the professions.  

Due to the intensive nature of the program, it is not recommended that students currently enrolled in an academic program participate.

SHRM is the world’s largest professional society dedicated to serving human resources professionals at all levels and functions.  Winners of this award will gain access to a global network of HR professionals from a variety of industries.

Eligibility

To be eligible for an award, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Open to SHRM members and Non-SHRM Members.
• Enrolled in a degree-seeking undergraduate program OR graduate program from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning.
• Degree program must be in HR-related field (e.g. business, communications, psychology, sociology, HR, org development, etc.).

Selection Criteria

Applications are reviewed and scored by groups of SHRM volunteers and are reviewed by staff. The review committee will select individuals whom they believe are most likely to leverage this learning opportunity. They will seek candidates who are eager to learn and plan to apply the skills and knowledge gained to benefit their careers, their organizations and their communities.  All decisions are final.

Grant Distribution

If selected to receive the Student Membership Award, the annual membership fee will be paid by the SHRM Foundation.  One-year SHRM Membership will (begin at the expiration of your current membership OR June 1 of the awarding year).

Please note, the SHRM Foundation does not reimburse for any fees or expenses incurred by applicants prior to being awarded. SHRM/SHRM Foundation employees or board members and the immediate family are not eligible to apply for SHRM Foundation Scholarships, Grants, or Awards.

SHRM is the world’s largest professional society dedicated to serving human resources professionals at all levels and functions.  Winners of this award will gain access to a global network of HR professionals from a variety of industries.

Eligibility

Open to SHRM members and Non-SHRM Members current experiencing financial hardships.

Please print/download your application for your records before you submit it. Once you submit your application, the SHRM Foundation will not be able to return it to you, in whole or in part, for any reason.

Selection Criteria

Applications are reviewed and scored by groups of SHRM volunteers and are reviewed by staff. The review committee will select individuals whom they believe are most likely to leverage this learning opportunity. They will seek candidates who are eager to learn and plan to apply the skills and knowledge gained to benefit their careers, their organizations and their communities.  All decisions are final.

Grant Distribution

If selected to receive the Professional Membership Award, the annual membership fee will be paid by the SHRM Foundation.  One-year SHRM Membership will (begin at the expiration of your current membership OR June 1 of the awarding year).

Please note, the SHRM Foundation does not reimburse for any fees or expenses incurred by applicants prior to being awarded. SHRM/SHRM Foundation employees or board members and the immediate family are not eligible to apply for SHRM Foundation Scholarships, Grants, or Awards.

Academic Scholarships - Graduate and Undergraduate

Eligibility

• Current SHRM member (professional or student)
• Enrolled in a degree-seeking undergraduate program or master's/doctoral program with at least one full semester remaining before graduation (see additional clarification below), OR accepted and ready to begin your studies within six months*
• University is a regionally accredited institution of higher learning
• Degree program is HR-related (e.g. business, psychology, HR, org development, etc.)

* The purpose of this award is to assist in paying for the upcoming academic year. As such, in order to be eligible for this scholarship, your semester or academic term must begin after Aug. 1 of the application year. This award may not be used to cover past expenses.

How to Apply

Online application including:

• Contact information
• Short answer questions about academic, volunteer, and work experience and career aspirations
• Current Resume
• Transcripts from an accredited institution.*
  • Universities within the United States must be regionally accredited
  • Universities outside of the United States must be accredited by a widely recognized accrediting body within the country or by the agency or ministry that oversees higher education within the country
  • Transcripts can be "unofficial", but we reserve the right to request official transcript if additional verification is needed.
  • One Letter of Reference**

*Transcripts must be in English. The SHRM Foundation may request an applicant with an international transcript to provide a transcript evaluation (at the applicant’s expense), from World Education Services or another reputable service, prior to reviewing an application.

**Applicants must request all recommendation letters through our application system. Letters may be written by work or volunteer colleagues, coaches, professors, etc. but should not come directly from the applicant or applicant's family members. We encourage applicants to request recommendation letters early in the application process. Please know, your application is not complete until your letter of recommendation is submitted and you select "submit."

Please print your application for your records before you submit it. Once you submit your application, the SHRM Foundation will not be able to return it to you, in whole or in part, for any reason.

Named Grants to be Awarded

Several of our professional grants are made possible through the generous support of the below organizations and individuals. You do not need to apply for a specific, named professional grant, if applicable the SHRM Foundation will determine for which grant you qualify. 

Graduate Sponsored Awards

• National Academy of Human Resources (NAHR) 
• Richard A. Beaumont Memorial Scholarship (NAHR)
• HR Florida

Undergraduate Sponsored Awards

• HR Mgmt. Association of Greensboro
• HR Florida
• Larry Burk
• Libby Sartain 
• Lisa Burke
• North Carolina
• Ohio SHRM State Council
• Paula Harvey
• Schultz Family
• Texas Bay Area Chapter
• Tina L. Pavish Memorial

Scholarship Distribution

Applications are evaluated and scored by groups of SHRM volunteers and are reviewed by staff. All decisions are final. If selected to receive an Undergraduate or Graduate Academic Scholarship, recipients will be required to provide proof of enrollment and college/university payment instructions. The SHRM Foundation will issue a check  $2,500 for undergraduate awards, $5,000 for graduate awards, $7,500 for NAHR awards directly to the institution for payment of tuition and fees required for enrollment or attendance at the educational institution. Fees for books, supplies, room/board and equipment are not covered by this award. 

Special Considerations

Each scholarship is a one-time award; however, previous applicants and past scholarship recipients are eligible to re-apply.  

• Full-time, part-time, online, and distance learning programs are acceptable. 
• Scholarships are for college-degree programs only and may not be used to attend professional development seminars.
• Recipients should intend on submitting proof of enrollment no later than July for the institution to receive timely payment. 

Please note, the SHRM Foundation does not reimburse for any fees or any associated expenses incurred prior to award. SHRM/SHRM Foundation employees or board members and the immediate family are not eligible to apply for SHRM Foundation Scholarships, Grants, or Awards.

Susan R. Meisinger was the president and chief executive officer of SHRM from March 2002 until her retirement in July 2008, when this scholarship was created in her honor. Sue Meisinger has a passion for HR and strongly believes HR professionals must prepare for an HR career by not only gaining experience but also by pursuing a solid, meaningful and stringent education in the field of human resources.  The award is for a $10,000 scholarship, renewable for a second year; up to $20,000 total.

Eligibility

• SHRM member 
• Minimum three years experience in HR
• Minimum five years of total professional work experience (including HR experience)
• Accepted or enrolled in a degree-seeking master’s program at an accredited university. Universities in the United States must be regionally accredited; universities outside of the United States must be accredited by an accrediting body widely recognized within the country or by the government body that oversees higher education within the country
• Must have at least 50% of the degree requirements remaining
• Degree program is HR-related (e.g. psychology, organizational development, MBA)
• Has not received another Master’s degree in an HR-related program

How to Apply

Online application including:

• Contact information
• Questions about work experience and career aspirations
• Current resume or CV
• Undergraduate college transcript or graduate transcript-if already enrolled (official or unofficial)*     
  • Copy of acceptance letter to Master’s degree program (if not currently enrolled)
• One letter of reference**

*Transcripts must be in English. The SHRM Foundation may request an applicant with an international transcript to provide a transcript evaluation (at the applicant’s expense), from World Education Services or another reputable service, prior to reviewing an application.

**Applicants must request all recommendation letters through our application system. Letters may be written by work or volunteer colleagues, coaches, professors, etc. but should not come directly from applicant or applicant's family members. We encourage applicants to request recommendation letters early in the application process. Please know, your application is not complete until your letter of recommendation is submitted and you "mark as complete", then select "submit."

Please print your application for your records before you submit it. Once you submit your application, the SHRM Foundation will not be able to return it to you, in whole or in part, for any reason.

Scholarship Distribution

Applications are evaluated and scored by a special select group of SHRM volunteers and are reviewed by staff. All decisions are final. If selected to receive the Susan R. Meisinger Scholarship, recipients will be required to provide proof of enrollment and college/university payment instructions. The SHRM Foundation will issue a check not to exceed $10,000 directly to the institution for payment of tuition and fees required for enrollment or attendance at the educational institution, or for fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses at the educational institution. 

Special Considerations

Each scholarship is a one-time award, renewable for a second year; up to $20,000 total.  Previous applicants may reapply, but past scholarship recipients are ineligible.

• Full-time, part-time, online, and distance learning programs are acceptable. 
• Scholarships are for college-degree programs only and may not be used to attend professional development seminars.
• Recipients should intend on submitting proof of enrollment no later than July for the institution to receive timely payment.

Expectations of Awardees:  

To accept the scholarship, recipients must commit to working in the HR field for a minimum of one year for every year of funding received. They must maintain their HR certification and/or SHRM membership during the scholarship. 

Awardees who withdraw from their academic program early will be obligated to return any unused funds and will not be eligible for additional award distributions. Awardees who complete their program in good standing are not obligated to pay back the award.  

Please note, the SHRM Foundation does not reimburse for any fees or any associated expenses incurred prior to award. SHRM/SHRM Foundation employees or board members and the immediate family are not eligible to apply for SHRM Foundation Scholarships, Grants, or Awards.