BREAKIN' IT DOWN CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIPS

Breakin' It Down will be sponsoring need-based scholarships for nonprofit, philanthropy, and fundraising  professionals and students  and community to attend the 2025 Breakin' It Down Conference.  Scholarship funds are limited and are not guaranteed, but we will do everything we can to help you join our event.

Anyone who is a nonprofit, fundraising, or philanthropy professional, student, or community in the Chicago area is welcome to apply. We especially encourage people from an under-represented group - including people of color, women, LGBTQIA+ people, and people with disabilities - to apply.

The scholarships will cover the 2025  BID Conference full registration fees (value up to $60) for nonprofit, fundraising, or philanthropy professionals and students and community who would otherwise be unable to attend the workshops and speed networking with funders. This Conference offers great opportunities for networking and professional development, especially for those serving under-represented and underserved communities in the Chicago area.  The BID Scholarship does not include social components, if any.

It is BID's main goal to have an inclusive event with a welcoming environment. We are trying hard to remove barriers. However, we are aware that issues are diverse. If there is something that keeps you away from this conference, please get in touch with us so we can work this out.  Our email is hello@breakinitdownchicago.org. 

Please complete the online application to be considered for scholarships awarded by Breakin' It Down Planning Committee. Early applications are recommended and encouraged as scholarships are limited.  Applications  will be accepted as funds allow and/or until scholarship spaces are exhausted. 

Students must list their school and use their school email account. 

Online applications will open on  August 1, 2025.  They must be submitted by 11:59 pm on Friday, Septermber 17, 2025, to participate in the 2025 Breakin' It Down Conference.  All applicants will receive a response by September 24.    

• One (1) complementary full conference registration (value, $60)

• Attend the conference in its entirety, arriving by 9:00 am.
• Be prepared to provide feedback.
• During the BID Conference— Participate in activities, such as keynote and plenary sessions, a workshop, the Breakin' It Down Awards presentation, lunch, and Speed Networking With Funders.   Attending the post-event reception, if any, is optional.
• After each activity — Complete the survey to document your experience
• After the Conference — Complete a summary evaluation to document your experience and how the scholarship helped you achieve  your goals. Ninety days after the conference, summarize how new knowledge was shared with your organization and applied in practice for better  outcomes 90 days after the conference. This feedback is a critical part of the  scholarship recipient's responsibilities.
• Agree to be listed on the BID website as a recipient of the scholarship.
•  Photos and/or video recording will be taken at this event and may appear in Breakin' It Down print or digital communications or marketing materials. By attending this event, you hereby authorize Breakin' It Down to use your image, likeness, and/or photograph in any and all use related to the mission of Breakin' It Down without compensation. 
• Agree to Breakin' It Down's Terms and Conditions.
• By applying for the Breakin' It Down Conference,  you agree to the Breakin' It Down Conference Scholarship's Terms and Conditions.

You may forfeit your conference scholarship if:

1. You cannot attend the main conference in its entirety.

The conference scholarship cannot be deferred and is non-transferable. 

Complete the online online 

• Name
• Email
• Name of School/University 
• Position and organization, where  affilitated or employed
• Thoughtful responses to survey questions including your goals for attending and how you will share and apply new knowledge with your work colleagues.
• Submission Period: September 3, 2024 - October 18, 2024  EXTENDED
• Recipients will be notified via email by October 19, 2024.

The Breakin' It Down Conference Scholarship is subject to all federal, state, and local laws. This scholarship application and terms and conditions are governed and interpreted by the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

By submitting any application for the Breakin' It Down Conference Scholarship, each applicant gives their express permission to be contacted by the Breakin It Down Planning Committee members and/or its fiscal sponsor by telephone, e-mail and/or postal mail for scholarship purposes. 

For questions, email us at hello@breakinitdownchicago.org .