The 2025 GBU Foundation Scholarship and Grants

January 21, 2025
GBU Life (GBU) established the GBU Foundation in 1963 to offer academic scholarships to its members. Through 2024, 
the GBU Foundation has awarded over 4,000 scholarships totaling almost $3,000,000 to members attending two-year, 
four-year and graduate programs. Visit gbufoundation.awardspring.com for the latest information about GBU Foundation scholarships.

GBU Foundation Scholarships
Freshman Scholarships (4 years)
  • For eligible GBU members entering four-year programs leading to a bachelor’s degree.
  •  $1,500 per year, renewable for up to three years.
 Bert Waltenberger Memorial Scholarship
  • Applicant must be involved in German-related programs and sports activities to be eligible to receive this award. 
  •  $1,500 per year, renewable for up to three years.
Clarence O. Affelt Architecture/Fine Art Memorial Scholarship
  • Applicant must have a declared major in architecture or the fine arts to be considered for this award.
  •  $1,000 in the first year, with $500 per year, renewable for up to three years.
Two-Year Scholarships (2 years)
  • For eligible GBU members entering or enrolled in degree, certificate or trade programs up to two years in duration offered by vocational/technical schools, nursing schools, community colleges and similar institutions.
  •  $1,000 per year, renewable for up to one year.
Undergraduate Scholarships (3 years)
  • For eligible GBU members in college programs leading to a bachelor’s degree.
  •  $1,000 per year, renewable for up to two years.
Graduate Scholarships (2 years)
  • For eligible GBU members entering or enrolled in college graduate degree programs leading to advanced degrees.
  •  $1,000 per year, renewable for up to one year.
GBU Foundation Grant Awards
All eligible applicants who do not receive a GBU Foundation Scholarship are entered in a random drawing for a predetermined number of one-time $500–$1,000 GBU Foundation grants. 

Scholarships Offered to GBU District Members
  •  Fritz Bertz Scholarship (District 510 — Toledo, OH)
  •  District 146 — Johnstown, PA, Scholarship
  •  District 291 — Summerhill-Lilly, PA, Scholarship
  • District 510 — Toledo, OH, Scholarship
  • District 1000 — LFA Scholarship
  •  District 2000 — ULS Scholarships
  •  District 3000 — HRFA Scholarship
  •  District 4000 — Sokol USA Milan Getting Scholarship (Visit sokolusa.org/scholarship to apply.)
GBU District 5000 — IOV Grand Lodge Scholarship
  • For eligible District 5000 — IOV high school senior members who have received confirmation of acceptance from an institution of higher learning.
    • Must hold either a junior or senior membership in the IOV for at least six months prior to the date of application.
  • $1,750 nonrenewable scholarship. Apply November 1, 2024 — March 1, 2025.
High School Freshman Grants
  • The GBU High School Freshman Grant Program is designed to assist eighth-grade GBU members with associated costs in their transition into the high school curriculum. High School Freshman Grants of $250 are to be used for expenses necessary for the student’s educational needs. For more information, please contact the GBU Foundation at gbufoundation@gbu.org.

May 7, 2026
Each year, we set aside time to deep clean and organize our homes. But when was the last time you set aside time to organize your finances? We sat down with GBU Life Home Office agents Leah Teahl and Dominic Nicciai to learn about the benefits of an annual financial review and how you can get started.
May 4, 2026
Every child can name a teacher who made a difference: the one who stayed late to help, offered encouragement at just the right moment or made learning feel exciting. Recognizing a teacher’s dedication doesn’t require grand gestures, but it does call for intention. Thoughtful appreciation gifts, especially during Teacher Appreciation Week or year-end celebrations, offer a tangible way to express heartfelt gratitude.
April 15, 2026
Board Election GBU Financial Life’s national bylaws allow adult insured members (as defined in Article VI, Section 1 of the bylaws) the right to vote for the organization’s Board of Directors. Ballots will be mailed at the beginning of August 2026 to all eligible members. Eligible members may vote by paper ballot via mail or electronic ballot online once they receive their ballot. Cumulative voting or voting by proxy is not permitted.
January 2, 2026
We hope the holiday brought you moments of rest and joy for the year ahead, giving you time to recharge and look forward with renewed purpose.
December 18, 2025
Winter is a magical time filled with holidays and the warmth of togetherness. It’s the perfect season to start traditions that your kids will look forward to every year. Here are some creative ideas to start your family’s unique winter traditions!
Two people exchanging gifts
December 3, 2025
To help you shine at your next workplace white elephant party, here’s a list of affordable and useful gift ideas.
Table with plate settings, pumpkins and candles
November 26, 2025
Here are 9 unique and meaningful ways to express your gratitude.
November 25, 2025
Inventive ideas to turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into delicious new meals.
Person on a laptop computer while seat a desk.
November 20, 2025
Your security and peace of mind are important to GBU Life. Here are a few key reminders to help you stay safe and recognize legitimate communications from us.
family
November 5, 2025
Do you have enough life insurance for your family?