The IFA National Scholarship Fund supports the next generation of franchise leaders by helping students and aspiring entrepreneurs access the education and experiences they need to succeed. By easing financial burdens and expanding opportunity, the fund strengthens the talent pipeline and ensures a vibrant future for franchising. Contact Us
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The IFA Foundation is committed to cultivating the next generation of franchise leaders. Through scholarships that support students pursuing studies in franchising, business, and entrepreneurship, we are investing in the talent that will drive innovation and keep the franchise community thriving for years to come.
Scholarship recipients don’t just receive tuition support—they gain access to unparalleled opportunities. Each winner is awarded complimentary registration and a travel stipend to attend IFA’s Annual Convention, where they can connect with top executives, explore career pathways, and build relationships with leaders from the world’s most recognized brands. This experience jumpstarts their journey in franchising and ensures our industry continues to grow with fresh ideas and dedicated talent. Scholarships are funded by donations from IFA members and other generous supporters of the IFA Foundation.
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The IFA Foundation is committed to cultivating the next generation of franchise leaders. Through scholarships that enable emerging leaders in the IFA community to complete the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) program, we are investing in the talent that will drive innovation and keep the franchise community thriving for years to come.
The CFE is the gold standard for leadership and accomplishment in the franchising community, providing you with powerful learning and resources for all aspects of franchise business so that you can more effectively lead your company, your team and your career growth. This year, the IFA Foundation will award 20 fully-funded Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) scholarships to emerging leaders so that they can elevate their brands to new heights.
Scholarship winners will receive up to $6,000 in coursework and credits, including: • Foundations of Franchising • Fran-Guard™ compliance training • CFE Final Exam • Additional elective education credits
Through this program, the IFA Foundation expands access to high-quality learning and empowers franchise leaders to use education to scale successfully. • Strengthen franchisee support • Build scalable systems • Improve unit-level performance • Lead with confidence • Navigate compliance and operational complexity
The 2026 CFE scholarship application is open to all IFA members, but especially valuable for: • Emerging franchisor founders & executives • Brand leaders looking to scale responsibly • Franchise professionals seeking structured expertise
Individuals from emerging brands are particularly encouraged to apply. Earn a scholarship for the practical learning franchise brands rely on. To be eligible, you must be an IFA member as of November 1, 2025, and remain a member in good standing throughout CFE coursework.
Those who are interested in the next round of CFE Scholarships, can add their information to this interest form, to be notified when applications open: 2027 CFE Scholarships Interest List – Powered by The IFA Foundation
The Doc Cohen Franchising Scholarship honors franchising great Doc Cohen by recognizing and supporting the next generation of franchising leaders. This competitive award, presented annually, provides one recipient $3,500 in tuition assistance, as well as free registration and a travel stipend (up to $1,500) to attend the IFA Annual Convention in Las Vegas. The recipient may also have the opportunity to connect directly with Doc Cohen and his robust network in the franchising industry. NEW! Two runner-ups will also be selected for a $1,000 award each, and the opportunity to attend the IFA Annual Convention.
To be eligible, you must be a U.S. citizen enrolled in an accredited college/university in the U.S. with a major or primary focus in one or more of the following areas of study: business, finance, marketing, food service, hospitality, franchising, or entrepreneurship.
Created in memory of the co-founder of Subway, the IFA Foundation Scholarship Sponsored by The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation recognizes and supports outstanding students interested in franchising who are enrolled in an accredited college/university with studies in business or franchise management. This competitive award, presented annually, provides one recipient $2,500 in tuition assistance, as well as free registration and a travel stipend (up to $1,500) to attend the IFA Annual Convention in Las Vegas.
To be eligible, you must be a U.S. citizen enrolled in an accredited college/university in the U.S. and studying business or franchise management.