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 the cost of the early-bird registration rate.

Graduate students are eligible to apply for financial support through the Bethany Naser Scholarship.  Undergraduate students are not eligible to apply for funding.

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.

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, eligible individuals may receive up to the cost of the early-bird registration rate.

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, eligible individuals may receive up to the cost of the early-bird registration rate.

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.


Through the application process, eligible individuals may receive up to the cost of the early-bird registration rate.

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.

Apply for Funding

NEF applications for the NODA Annual Conference will be open 7/16/26 – 9/28/26. Late applications may not be considered. 

An application is required and reviewed by a committee. If granted, awards will be applied based on the award categories outlined below. Please note: Awardees will pay for associated costs upfront and will submit for reimbursement post-event. Leaders and volunteers who require support should review the remuneration policy to determine if they’re eligible for additional funding.

  • Members: Scholarships awarded to professional members are intended to cover up to the cost of registration at the Early Bird rate. Members submit their application for review through the “general” NEF category. 
  • Leaders & volunteers: Scholarships awarded to leaders & volunteers are intended to support Conference associated costs as needed: e.g. travel, registration, hotel, per diem but may not exceed $1,000 annually during their term. Those individuals submit their application for consideration through the “Travel” NEF funding category. 

    Please use the buttons below to apply

    Application for 2026-2027 Programs
    Travel Scholarship for Leaders/Volunteers