Fred & Lena Meijer Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Meijer
Introduction
If you are a Meijer team member or the dependent child of one and are planning to attend college or an accredited U.S. training school, you may be eligible for the Fred & Lena Meijer Scholarship. A number of awards are available in $5,000 and $10,000 amounts.
Who should apply / Basic eligibility
- Current Meijer team members, or children of current or qualifying former Meijer team members, may apply.
- To qualify, the team member (applicant or parent) must have been employed by Meijer on or before March 1, 2025 and have continuous service.
- Dependent children may be natural, legally adopted, or step-children.
Specific eligibility rules
1. Current Meijer Team Member: Employed on or before March 1, 2025, with continuous service, employed full- or part-time at Meijer, and planning to attend college, university, or technical school full- or part-time.
2. Child of a Current Team Member: Dependent of a team member employed on or before March 1, 2025 with continuous service, attending college, university, or technical school full-time.
3. Child of a Former Team Member: Dependent of a former team member who worked at least one year for Meijer and whose employment ended because of death, retirement, or total and permanent disability; the student must be enrolled full-time.
Additional restrictions
- Awards are for undergraduate-level study at an accredited U.S. institution or training school only; they cannot be used for graduate programs.
- Children of Meijer company officers, directors, or shareholders are not eligible.
Important dates / timeline
- December 1, 2025: Online application opens.
- March 1, 2026, 5:00 PM EDT: Application deadline (online submission required by this time).
What you’ll need to submit
- Your full name and contact details.
- Your Meijer EMPLID (or the EMPLID of your Meijer team member parent).
- The school you plan to attend and a brief explanation of why you chose that program.
Background and administration
The Fred & Lena Meijer Scholarship was created by Fred and Lena Meijer in 1975 and was expanded in 2010 to include Meijer team members as eligible applicants. The Grand Rapids Community Foundation (GRCF), a nonprofit organization, administers the scholarship and makes final award decisions.
Awards, renewability, and limits
- The program distributes multiple awards, typically in $5,000 and $10,000 amounts; the exact number and total value of scholarships each year depend on applicant volume and available funds.
- Scholarships are competitive and limited by IRS rules governing corporate scholarship programs.
- Awards are not renewable; past recipients may reapply each year and will be considered as new applicants.
Selection process
The Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees, guided by recommendations from an advisory committee, selects recipients. Meijer employees and officials do not participate in the decision-making. Factors considered include academic or technical achievement, financial need, special circumstances, and involvement in school or community activities. All awards are made without regard to race, creed, color, sex, religion, or national origin.
If you meet the eligibility requirements and plan to enroll in an undergraduate program or approved training school, prepare your application and submit it online between December 1, 2025 and March 1, 2026, 5:00 PM EDT.