The Diane Lupke Scholarship Fund

Diane Lupke, CEcD, FM, HLM, founded this educational scholarship fund to assist economic development professionals in gaining knowledge and skills that they can utilize within their distressed communities. With this fund, IEDC awards 4 scholarships annually. Each scholarship covers the registration fee for a 2-3 day training course offered by IEDC.

Since its inception, this scholarship fund has received numerous contributions from private donors, which has allowed IEDC to increase the number of recipients over the years. Please click the button below to support The Diane Lupke Scholarship Fund today!

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An individual interested in applying for a scholarship associated with this fund must work for an organization that is located in a distressed community. Examples include, but are not limited to, community-based organizations, main street organizations, and community development corporations.

IEDC will accept applications Monday, June 23 to Wednesday, July 23 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Melissa Nebelsick Scholarship for Women

Melissa Nebelsick, CEcD (1950 – 2016) was a vibrant and caring member of the economic development community who mentored many women in the field and was a role model of professionalism. In honor of her life’s work, Melissa’s friends and colleagues established this scholarship to provide women with educational and training opportunities in the field she cared so deeply for.

Each year, this scholarship is awarded by IEDC to a woman currently working in economic development based on need, interest in the field, and planned career path. The scholarship covers the registration fee of an IEDC training course or conference within the given calendar year.

IEDC will accept applications in September 2025.