Time is running out to apply for the Chris Walker Education Fund grant request for equipment leasing professionals pursuing education opportunities in the industry. Candidates must complete their application for grants by Feb. 15. The fund will award a total of $16,000 in grants, which will be distributed by the end of February. The grant application process is available to individuals as well as associations, foundations and institutions. Individual may request grants of up to $1,500, or an amount equal to the cost of qualified industry-related education.

Funds available through the Chris Walker Education Fund may be used for any project or need that provides industry education opportunities for leasing professionals. This includes grants for industry-related education, certifications (such as the Certified Lease and Finance Professionals designation), educational initiatives of the National Equipment Finance Association, or other educational initiatives related to the equipment finance industry. Through its founding in 2011, the Chris Walker Education Fund has funded nearly $82,000 in educational grants. All grant requests must be submitted online here.

Education was always important to Chris Walker, a NEFA member and member of the NEFA’s board of directors. When Walker passed away in 2011, many NEFA members and other industry professionals wanted some way they could make a donation to honor him and continue his service to the equipment leasing industry. This resulted in the creation within the NEFA of the Chris Walker Education Fund. The members of the board of trustees donate their time and talents to promote the mission of the Chris Walker Education Fund.