Morgan Grant, a sophomore on the Eastern Illinois University golf team, is just one example of the impact made by the ever-growing CDGA Foundation Scholarship & Grant Program.
“It means so much to me to have an opportunity like this,” said Grant, a two-time recipient of the CDGA | IWGA Julia Dodds Scholarship. “I know how important my future education is and I’m extremely honored and grateful to receive this scholarship.”
In total, the CDGA Foundation Scholarship & Grant Program consists of six different initiatives and disbursed more than $70,000 to deserving college students during the 2025–26 academic year. The program, along with CDGA Youth Membership, serves as a cornerstone of Youth CDGA Sunshine Programs.
Scan the QR code for more information on all of the scholarship opportunities, including how to apply for 2026–27. All CDGA-administered scholarship and grant applications are due June 1, 2026.
CDGA | UVS Swing Club Veteran Scholarship
The CDGA Veteran Scholarship, formerly under the administration of the Chicago Area Golf Swing Club, is awarded to disabled veterans or dependents of deceased or disabled veterans living or hospitalized in the Chicago District.
The CDGA Foundation Veteran Scholarship dates back to 1963, when the Chicago Area Unit of the United Veterans Services (UVS) Golf Swing Club began awarding scholarships to disabled veterans and/or the dependents of deceased or disabled veterans as part of its Scholarship Foundation. The Swing Club has aided a large number of students in their pursuit of higher education.
The Swing Club agreed to pass the scholarship program over to the CDGA Foundation in late 2018. The CDGA Foundation plans on continuing the Swing Club's admirable work in the years to come.
2025–26 Recipients: Zachary Altenhoff (University of St. Francis), Gabrielle Markham Elliott (Joliet Junior College), Olivia Faivre (Lake Forest College)
CDGA | IWGA Julia Dodds Scholarship
For nine decades, Illinois Women’s Golf Association (IWGA) played a pivotal role in supporting women’s golf through a variety of competitive and philanthropic outlets. In 2024, the IWGA partnered with the CDGA to carry on their legacy of making an impact in the community through the administration of the Julia Dodds Scholarship and mini-grant program.
The Julia Dodds Junior Girls Scholarship Award was established in 1992 in honor of Mrs. Julia Dodds who was the first 50-year member of the IWGA.
Today, the award is to assist girls who are pursuing an undergraduate college degree and who have a passion for golf. The Dodds Award criteria for selection include Character, Scholarship, Leadership and Sportsmanship. The winner(s) will receive a $5,000 award, which will be directed to their college choice to assist in their educational expenses.
2025–26 Recipients: Morgan Grant (Eastern Illinois University), Natalie Meler (Lake Forest College)
CDGA | JPGA Walter & Nettie George Speedy Scholarship
This new scholarship was established in 2025 through a partnership between the CDGA and the Jackson Park Golf Association to honor Walter and Nettie George Speedy and their early 20th century legacy as golf pioneers. The Speedys are an inspiration to not only their family, but to the innumerable African American golfers that benefited from their advocacy, especially at Jackson Park. Walter Speedy was a top Black golfer in Chicago and won the first national tournament for Black players in 1915. His wife, Nettie George Speedy, was a pioneering Black female golfer and a journalist for the Chicago Defender, where she advocated for the sport’s growth, especially among Black women.
2025–26 Recipient: Zaria Douglas (Marquette University)
CDGA | Brent Wadsworth Scholarship
The newest offering of this program is the CDGA | Brent Wadsworth Scholarship, which goes to deserving high school students looking to pursue a career in the golf industry. Brent and his family are longtime supporters of the game of golf and the CDGA, making this new initiative a natural fit.
2025–26 Recipient: Isabelle Earl (Hillsdale College)
CDGA | Folds of Honor Scholarship
In 2023, the CDGA partnered with the Folds of Honor Foundation, an organization that provides life-changing scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen or disabled US service members and first responders, carrying on a longstanding tradition of utilizing golf to enhance the lives of our nation's heroes.
Folds of Honor has awarded approximately 44,000 educational scholarships since its founding in 2007, but increasing demand in recent years led to an unmet need in the Chicago District. The CDGA and CDGA Foundation began to help close this gap by funding three Folds of Honor scholarships, a contribution totaling $15,000, allowing more dependents of veterans and first responders to experience life-changing education.
2025–26 Recipients: Diana Freeman (University of Illinois-Chicago), Jameson Richard (Depaul University), Joseph Ritchie (University of Illinois)
CDGA | IWGA Mini-Grant Program
Any Illinois higher education institution (2- or 4-year colleges) may submit applications for consideration in this Mini-Grant Program, which supports local women’s college golf programs. Grants ranging from $500 to $2000 are annually made available.
2025–26 Recipients: Pictured via map to the right.
