The Rocky Mountain Conference has scholarship funds available for RMC seminarians. Originally known as the Iliff Scholarship Fund, the scholarship donors have agreed to expand eligibility of this scholarship fund to those attending other schools. The 2025-2026 application form is now open, and you can access it via this link. Applications are due January 15th, 2026. Funds will be dispersed in February 2026.
“If the Christian Church is going to mean anything, it’s going to have to recover its heritage of being counter-cultural.” ~ Rev. Robb Lapp, July 30, 2014
The purpose of the Rocky Mountain Conference Scholarship Fund is to develop students who have a grounded understanding and loving appreciation for the interior life of the Church, coupled with an eye to the infinite positive possibilities the Church can bring to life as she leads the common culture in ways that advance peace, harmony, and justice in the world. We hope to radically connect the recipient into the life of the Rocky Mountain Conference.
We are seeking to award the RMC Seminary Scholarship to a student who could be characterized as “in the world and of the Church.” This person has the passion and the leadership capacity to inspire and mobilize people to make real God’s loving mercy and justice for all members of the human family. This person shows early evidence of being able to join Jesus in challenging the structures of power.
The RMC Seminary Scholarship is funded annually in the Fall by the Rocky Mountain Conference. The RMC will administer the scholarship and the selection process. The Scholarship will distribute a total of $3,500-4,000 each academic year and, depending on the number of applicants, may be split to fund more than one scholarship each year. A committee made up of the Conference Minister and at least 2 clergy or lay leaders will review applications.
Additional selection criteria and stipulations:
- Recipient must be matriculated in a Masters-level degree program at any ATS accredited theological institution and committed to a vocation of social change through church action;
- Recipient must be an active member of an RMC UCC congregation for at least one year, as affirmed by their local church pastor;
- Please note that this award is not need-based.
This scholarship may be renewed for a maximum award of three academic years. However, priority will be given to new applicants, so as to ensure the gift touches the lives of the greatest number of students. Upon award, the recipient will initiate connection with the Conference Minister of the Rocky Mountain Conference (currently, Rev. Erin Gilmore – erin@rmcucc.org) to set up an introductory meeting. Further expectations will include an article about their ministry aspirations to be published in the Conference newsletter, and at least one visit per academic year with Conference members, churches, or attendance at Conference events (Conference to cover any related expenses).
