The NODA Excellence Fund (NEF) is dedicated to supporting NODA members, just as our members are dedicated to the orientation, transition, and retention profession. Investing in the NEF is one more way you can make a difference as an orientation, transition, and retention student affairs professional. Learn more about donating at www.nodaweb.org/donate/.

Types of Awards

Professional Development Scholarship

The NODA Excellence Fund (NEF) provides financial support to NODA members who may not otherwise be able to attend the NODA Annual Conference. Through the application process, eligible individuals may receive up to $605 for professionals or $495 for graduate students to cover the cost of conference registration.

To maximize the number of members we can support, we encourage applicants to explore additional funding sources and consider cost-saving strategies, such as sharing a hotel room with other attendees in the NODA network.

Please review the application instructions below for more information.

The NODA Excellence Fund (NEF) offers financial assistance to NODA members who do not have institutional support to attend a NODA Institute or Symposium. Through the application process, individuals may receive up to $450 to help cover registration costs.

To support as many members as possible, we encourage applicants to explore additional funding sources and connect with the NODA network to reduce expenses—such as by sharing hotel accommodations.

Please review the application instructions below for more details.

The NODA Excellence Fund (NEF) provides financial support to NODA members who do not have institutional funding to participate in a Core Competency Curriculum course. Through the application process, individuals may receive up to $75 to help cover the cost of registration.

To support as many members as possible, we encourage applicants to seek additional financial resources and connect with the NODA network to identify cost-saving opportunities, such as sharing accommodations when attending in-person components.

Please review the application instructions below for full details.

Please contact the NODA Association Office with any questions.


Check back in December for updated information on funding opportunities for spring learning events.

The NODA Excellence Fund (NEF) may be available to NODA members who do not have financial support to attend Spring Learning. In order to provide scholarships to as many NODA members as possible we encourage participants to find other financial resources and connect with the NODA network to reduce costs. Funding is available to support the participation of graduate students and professionals at the upcoming Spring Learning Conferences (please note that undergraduate attendees are not eligible for this funding). Please make sure your membership is current upon submission. Submissions from individuals who are not current on membership during the review period will not be accepted.

Leadership Development Scholarship

Provide financial support for NODA members who strive to grow as a leader by serving in a leadership role. The Leadership Development Scholarship will cover travel expenses (conference hotel, flight, car rental/mileage), to attend meetings where leadership is required (i.e. annual/regional conference). Scholarships will cover costs for the term of the leadership position and not to exceed $1,000 per year of term.

Please contact the NODA Association Office with any questions.

Apply for Funding

NEF APPLICATIONS FOR SPRING LEARNING WILL CLOSE Monday, February 2, 2026

Please use the buttons below to apply – you will be redirected to the NODA portal. *If this is your first time logging in to the new NODA Portal (as of December 5) you will need to reset your password.

Application for 2026-2027 Programs
Application for 2026-2027 Leadership Development