Association Grant Program

(See below for details on upcoming online orientations to learn more.)

Dear State Funeral and Cemetery Association Leaders,


The Southern Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association (SCCFA) is pleased to announce the Capacity-Building and Leveraging Change Grant Program. This program is designed exclusively for our member state funeral and cemetery associations to strengthen their ability to serve both their members and the public with the highest quality of professionalism and care.

Purpose of the Grant
The program provides non-matching grants up to $5,000 to support initiatives that build organizational capacity, foster innovation, and leverage change to benefit your members and communities. While a cash match is not required, applications should demonstrate meaningful partnerships that will help fulfill the request.

Process Overview

  1. Letter of Intent (LOI) – Submit a summary (1 page maximum) describing your association, the proposed initiative, estimated funding request, and partner(s). A sample letter of intent is provided for your use. 
  2. Application Invitation – Upon LOI approval, associations will be invited to complete the full application form.
  3. Formal Application – Provide a detailed proposal including mission, vision, values, project goals and objectives, budget, and impact measures.
  4. Review & Approval – SCCFA’s Grant Committee will review applications and notify applicants of decisions.
  5. Implementation & Follow-Up – Successful applicants are expected to implement their projects as proposed and submit a brief final report to SCCFA summarizing results, impact, and lessons learned.

Key Elements of Applications

  • Who, What, Where, When, Why and How of the proposed initiative.
  • Clear alignment with your mission, vision, and values.
  • Contextual, observable, and measurable goals and objectives.
  • Evidence of impact that enhances both member service and community benefit.

We encourage your association to think boldly about how to strengthen capacity and leverage meaningful change. Whether through workforce development, professional training, technology enhancements, or community outreach initiatives, this grant program exists to help you expand your reach and effectiveness.


We look forward to receiving your Letter of Intent and supporting your efforts to advance the profession.

Upcoming Grant Program Orientation Online Meetings: Friday, April 3rd at 8:00 Central (9:00 Eastern) or Friday, April 17th at 3:00 Central (4:00 Eastern). Please email our office to receive an invitation to join us on Zoom for a quick overview of our grant program, including who is eligible, how to apply, etc. 


See our Association Grant menu to the left,  for further details or contact us via email at TheSouthern.office@gmail.com.