CDGA Foundation Veteran Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Chicago District Golf Association

The CDGA Foundation Scholarship & Grant Program exists because people and organizations care enough about golf and community to leave a legacy. Annual donors and legacy gifts to the Chicago District Golf Association make these awards possible, helping students and programs pursue education and opportunity through the game.

For 2026, the CDGA and the CDGA Foundation are offering the following scholarships and grants. Below each award is a short explanation of its purpose and who is eligible.

• CDGA UVS Swing Club Veteran Scholarship

  • Purpose: To support the children or other dependents of veterans.
  • Eligibility: Dependents of veterans (including dependents of deceased or disabled veterans) who live in or are hospitalized in Illinois or within the Chicago District (Northwest Indiana, Southwest Michigan, and Southern Wisconsin).

• CDGA Folds of Honor Scholarship

  • Purpose: To ensure that families who have sacrificed for our country are not held back by the cost of education.
  • Eligibility: Families of service members; covers K–12 and higher-education needs so students can pursue their academic goals without financial burden.

• CDGA IWGA Julia Dodds Scholarship

  • Purpose: To help Illinois girls who love golf and plan to pursue an undergraduate degree.
  • Eligibility and criteria: Illinois residents who demonstrate Character, Scholarship, Leadership, and Sportsmanship. Award amount: $5,000.

• CDGA IWGA Grant Program

  • Purpose: To provide financial support to collegiate women’s golf programs.
  • Eligibility: Any Illinois public or private higher-education institution (two- or four-year colleges) may apply. Women’s golf program administrators should follow the online guidelines to submit an application.

• CDGA JPGA Walter & Nettie George Speedy Scholarship

  • Purpose: To honor Walter and Nettie George Speedy and their contributions to Black golf in the early 20th century.
  • Partnership: Established jointly by the CDGA and the Jackson Park Golf Association (JPGA).

• CDGA Brent Wadsworth Scholarship

  • Purpose: To recognize Brent Wadsworth’s lasting impact on the game and his commitment to future generations.
  • Partnership: Established by the CDGA in partnership with the Wadsworth family.

If you’re interested in applying or want to learn more about eligibility and application deadlines, check the CDGA website or contact the Foundation office. These awards are a direct result of generous donors; they exist to open doors for students and programs that reflect the values of golf and community.