2026 Marion CFB Foundation Scholarship Application

Marion County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship Application

2026
The objective of our Foundation’s Scholarship program is to provide scholarships to college students who major in agriculture, agri-business, or an ag-related course of study. The number and dollar amount of scholarships awarded each year will vary depending upon the number of applications received and availability of funds. In 2025, ten (10) students received a total of $17,750 from scholarships ranging in value from $1,000 to $2,750.

Multiple scholarship opportunities available!

General Foundation Scholarships, Berniece Swan Memorial Scholarship, Richard and Ruth Ford Memorial Scholarship, and the NEW Marion CFB Young Leader (YL) Scholarship.

To be eligible for consideration, an applicant must:
- Be a high school graduate or graduating in 2026
- Be a Marion CFB member, spouse, or child of a member (minimum 2-years)
- Be accepted for enrollment (or enrolled) at a post-secondary school (good toward BS, no graduate study)
- Exhibit potential for successful completion of course study
- Be a resident of Illinois
- Not be an immediate relative (spouses, children, and parents) of the members and spouses of the Foundation's Scholarship Review Committee
- Past recipients may reapply, but no student may win more than two (2) scholarships from the Marion County Farm Bureau Foundation. However, the Swan Memorial Scholarship is open to all applicants even if you have won 2 scholarships in the past from the Foundation.
- The YL Scholarship is open to those focusing more on a vocational trade career path.
- The Richard and Ruth Ford scholarship is open to South Central Students pursuing a degree in the medical field(i.e. nursing, healthcare, etc.)
The criteria for awarding the scholarship are as follows:
- Scholarship
  - Academic performance and honors
  - Rank in Class
- Demonstrated interest in agriculture or related field
  - Special consideration given to students entering a field of study that is PRIMARILY production agriculture or agri-business
- Financial need
- Evidence of self-help. How is the student contributing financially to their education?
- Character and personality
  - Maturity
  - Industriousness and motivation
  - Intellectual interest
  - Moral character
  - Demonstrated leadership
In order to be considered, all applicants must submit/upload:
- Online Application
- Digital head shot (photo) of high quality
- High School transcript
- College transcript (if applicable)
- Teacher’s recommendation (minimum of 1, maximum of 2)
Completed applications and supporting materials must be submitted online by midnight on March 15, 2026.

Thank you for your interest in the Marion County Farm Bureau Foundation and Berniece Swan Memorial Scholarships!

Sincerely,

Steven Brummel, President
Marion County Farm Bureau Foundation
Scholarship Choice
Choose the scholarship(s) you are eligible to receive and wish to be considered for from the list below. You are encouraged to select as many scholarships as you are eligible for.*

General Foundation ScholarshipBerniece Swan Memorial ScholarshipMarion CFB Young Leader ScholarshipRichard & Ruth Ford Memorial Scholarship
General Information
Name*

First NameLast Name
Date of Birth*

MonthDayYear
Date
Home Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Email*
Please do not use school issued email if you are a high school senior. You will not have access to it after graduation.
High School*
Year of Graduation*
Applicant, Parent, or Spouse's Farm Bureau Membership Number*
061-
Father's Full Name*
Mother's Full Name*
Part II: Academic information

10 Possible Points
What was your high school G.P.A? *
High School Grading Scale*

4.0 Scale5.0 Scale
Class Rank*
Rank out of number in graduating class (ie: 4/85)
Upload Copy of Official High School Transcript*

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If a college student, what is your GPA?
College Grading Scale

4.0 Scale5.0 Scale
Upload Copy of Official College Transcript

Required if currently attending college
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What high school (and/or college) academic awards have you received?*

0/500
Part III: Activities/Leadership/Interest

10 Possible Points
List the agricultural activities in which you have participated in high school or college (include FFA and 4-H).*

(Include club/activity, years participated, leadership position(s), and awards/honors received)0/500
List the activities (non-agricultural) in which you have participated in high school or college (include clubs, sports, etc...).*

(Include club/activity, years participated, leadership position(s), and awards/honors received)0/500
List community activities (not directly connected with school) in which you have participated (include church, scouts, etc...).*

(Include club/activity, years participated, leadership position, and awards/honors received)0/500
Describe any employment experiences you have had during school or school breaks.*

0/500
Briefly summarize your experience or interest in agriculture/agribusiness (be specific).*

0/500
What hobbies or special interest do you have?*

0/500
Part IV: Academic Plans & Student Goals

10 Possible Points
State your planned major field of study in higher education and name the college, university, or vocational school you plan to attend.*

(If primarily ag-related, be specific for additional points)0/200
Describe how you think your proposed course of study relates to and will benefit the field of agriculture.*

0/500
Part V: Student Statement

10 Possible Points
Why do you feel you should be awarded a Marion County Farm Bureau Foundation and/or Berniece Swan Memorial Scholarship?*

0/100
Part VI: Financial Analysis

5 Possible Points
Since financial need is one factor in selecting the recipients of the Marion County Farm Bureau Foundation and/or Berniece Swan Memorial Scholarships, the following information will help the Scholarship Review Committee in its deliberations. The information is strictly confidential and will only be reviewed by the Foundation’s Scholarship Review Committee.
Do you plan to work during the school year to support your education?*

YesNo
Approximate hours per week?*
Income Expected*
Employer*
Type of Work*
Will you work during the summer?*

YesNo
Approximate hours per week?*
Income*
Employer*
Type of work*
Do you have a scholarship or tuition waiver?*

YesNo
Name of scholarship(s) and value?*
(For Example - McKendree College Presidential Scholarship - $10,000)
Have you received a scholarship from the Marion CFB Foundation in the past?*

YesNo
What year did you receive the scholarship and how much was it?*
(For example: $1,000 in 2024)
Do you currently have any financial responsibilities or debt that you are responsible for?*

YesNo
Detail amount and description of responsibilities or debt.*
(For Example - $250/month car payment, $100/month cell phone, etc...)
How will your college education be funded? (Percentage Each)*
Father's Occupation*
Mother's Occupation*
Number of children in family (including yourself)*
Brothers
Sisters
Student Signature:*

Clear
Date*

MonthDayYear
Date
Digital Photo*

Photos will be published in the Farm Bureau's publication (Agriculture Advocate), posted on our Facebook page and/or website, and displayed during our Annual Meeting in November 2026. Please upload a high-quality digital photo!
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Section VII: Recommendations

1 required - Maximum 2 -- worth 5 points
A recommendation letter is a required portion of your scholarship application. Your mentor can either complete the attached form (print a copy for them) or use their own letter of recommendation following the same guidelines. Once returned to you, be sure to upload a copy (online) with this application.
Upload Teacher Recommendation(s)*

Must have at least 1, but maximum of 2.
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Marion County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship Application

Scholarship Choice

General Information

Part II: Academic information

Part III: Activities/Leadership/Interest

Part IV: Academic Plans & Student Goals

Part V: Student Statement

Part VI: Financial Analysis

Section VII: Recommendations