Recipients must be veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces (Navy, Air Force, Army, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force). a. Individuals must be able to provide proof of service/separation (DD 214 or an appropriate ID).

Scholarship will reimburse 80% of a blacksmithing class/course(s) registration fee up to $100 upon completion of the course, whichever is less. (for example, if the course(s) cost $135, 80% of that is $108, so the awardee would receive $100; if the course(s) cost is $95 then the awardee would receive $76). Formula for determining award: Registration fee(s) $_______ X 0.80 = _______ TOTAL (awardee would receive $100 or less of total course registration costs)

The coursework must be considered to be directly related to blacksmithing (not welding/fabrication). The FABA Scholarship Committee (defined in article 12 below) reserves the right to determine which coursework is appropriate during the review process.

The course instructor must be someone who regularly provides paid blacksmith instruction – in other words is recognized as a legitimate, accepted teacher. Classes at a recognized blacksmith conference (such as the FABA annual conference, The Southern Blacksmith Association biannual conference, SOFA, etc.) are acceptable and specifically at these events, 2 or more classes in one weekend could be stacked and counted as one ‘course’. So, for three (3) FABA intro courses at $45 apiece, the total would be $135; 80% of that would be $108, so the award would be $100.

Before awardee is reimbursed, he/she must provide some proof of completion (documentation of work produced, email from instructor and receipts from course costs). This scholarship is intended for course registration fees only, and does not cover materials or equipment unless those items are part of the course of instruction (i.e. a hammer making course). Students may apply for up to 2 courses per year, but not more than once per six-month cycle and for no more than 3 courses in total.

The student must apply for the scholarship prior to the beginning of class (not retroactive). The committee will meet February 15 and August 15 each year to review applications (every 6 months). Up to three applications will be awarded every six months. Coursework does not have to fall within the cycle the student applies, if the application is submitted prior to the start of the course (for example, the student could plan 1 year ahead). The FABA Scholarship Committee (defined in article 12 below) will make that determination during the application process.

In any 6-month cycle, preference will be made for beginner classes, then intermediate skill classes as the primary purpose of this fund is to assist veterans to begin their blacksmithing journey.

Applicants must be a FABA member to apply and while taking the class/course.

Funds can be applied to the FABA annual conference courses, or to similar classes from other guilds or organizations, within the United States. See article 4, above.

If anyone wishes to donate additional funds to this scholarship, they agree to abide by the rules above. In other words, future donors cannot modify or change the administration or award process for this scholarship. Any funds donated specifically to this fund will be considered encumbered for this purpose only.

Applicants will complete the application and submit their request via email to (add email contact) or through the electronic form on www.blacksmithing.org.

The FABA Scholarship Committee is comprised of a three-member panel of FABA members. At least one member of the panel will have military experience (active duty or reserve) and two others will be FABA Board members. The President, Treasurer and Vice-President will appoint the members of the Veterans Scholarship committee. Members will serve a minimum one-year term but may be reappointed multiple times.

Awardees will be notified via email and USPS the status of their application approximately two weeks after the committee meets.