We are no longer accepting applications for 2026.
The deadline for 2027 applications is July 1st, 2026. Applications submitted after July 1st will not be considered.
Program Objective
The Education Assistance program exists to financially support local churches in training men for local church ministry, financially support Reformed Baptist scholars who are pursuing a PhD and promote the identification and development of future Reformed Baptist scholars.
This document addresses the PhD Scholarship program which is in place to fulfill the second objective of the Education Assistance program, which is to support Reformed Baptist scholars who are pursuing a PhD. The other two objectives are addressed elsewhere.
Applicant Qualifications
To receive funding the applicant must meet the following conditions:
- Is a member in good standing of a confessional reformed church (2LBC, 1LBC, Savoy, WCF, Three Forms).
- Has a demonstrated academic gifting.
- Has a demonstrable financial need.
- Is endorsed by others to pursue the desired education.
- Plans to attend an institution that meets the approval of the Foundation.
- Has a plan to complete the education within 4 years.
- Plans to pursue an area of study that meets the approval of the Foundation.
- Is aligned with the system of theology set forth in 2LBC of 1689.
Process
To apply, the applicant must submit the Student Application found on the following pages, a detailed research proposal, the required letters of reference, and all other supporting documentation, to scholarships@3535foundation.com or by mail to 3535 Foundation; Attn: Scholarships; 3535 25th St. S; Fargo, ND 58104. Any questions may be addressed to us through the email address above. All required documents should be submitted at least six months before the funding is needed.
You can expect acknowledgment of your application within one week after it is received, if you do not receive an acknowledgment within that timeframe, please contact us at the email address above to ensure the submission was received. Acceptance or denial of a scholarship application will be communicated as soon as possible, but no exact timeframe can be provided.
Scholarship recipients will be required to renew their application annually to be approved for continued funding. The renewal process will not be as rigorous as the initial application process. More information on renewal will be provided to scholarship recipients upon approval of the initial application.
Letters of Recommendation
To qualify for a PhD Scholarship, the application submission must include four letters of recommendation. To promote an encouraging environment; as well as accountability for the scholarship recipient, one of the letters must be from the applicant’s pastor who will also agree to maintain a relationship with the applicant throughout the duration of the education. As part of the annual scholarship renewal process, the applicant’s pastor will be required to affirm that the applicant remains qualified to receive continued scholarship funding. All other recommendation letters should be from academic or professional references who know you well and are qualified to evaluate your potential for graduate study.
Research Proposal
The application submission must include a detailed research proposal. The proposal should include the following:
- Project title
- Name of research supervisor (or proposed supervisor)
- Proposed method of research
- Goals and objectives of the research project
- Summary of the proposal
- A literature review and justification for chosen area of study
- Explanation of benefit to the academy and the church
Funding Information
Funding is available for tuition, books, and fees. Consideration will be given for other needs depending on the applicant’s circumstances and education plan.
A funding arrangement will be agreed with the scholarship recipient upon approval of the scholarship application.
Additional Information
The applicant qualification section references an institution that meets the approval of the Foundation along with an area of study that meets the approval of the Foundation. We do not currently have a list of approved institutions, nor a list of approved fields of study. Therefore, if you are considering applying for this scholarship, we encourage you to reach out to us early in the process to discuss your intentions prior to submitting your application. The same would apply for any other questions you may have on qualifications or other related matters.
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