The board of trustees of the National Equipment Finance Association’s Chris Walker Education Fund extended the deadline to submit grant applications to Feb. 29. The fund, which is actively raising funds, will award a total of $30,000 grants by the end of March. Applicants, including individuals, associations, foundations and institutions, can apply for grants, with individual grants of up to $1,500 or an amount equivalent to the cost of qualified equipment finance industry-related education. All grant applications must be submitted here.

The Chris Walker Education Fund provides funds for projects or needs that contribute to equipment finance industry education opportunities for leasing professionals. Eligible uses include grants for industry-related education, certifications (such as the Certified Lease & Finance Professional designation), educational initiatives of the NEFA, or other endeavors related to the equipment finance industry. Since its establishment in 2011, the fund has granted more than $100,000 in educational support to individuals and organizations, including the CLFP Foundation, the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation and the National Equipment Finance Association. These organizations have utilized the funds for various educational purposes.

The Chris Walker Education Fund was established to honor Chris Walker, a NEFA member and member of the NEFA’s board of directors, following his passing in 2011.