UB School of Social Work Application-Based Funding Opportunities

All of the funding opportunities listed below require the General Scholarship Application in the UB Scholarship Portal. Some may require an additional secondary application. Applications open April 1, 2025, and are due by May 15, 2025.

Apply for scholarships

Donna R. Brott, EDM ’79, Endowed Scholarship

Eligibility: All MSW students currently in the program, as well as newly accepted applicants. MSW dual-degree students are eligible to apply for the year they are fully taking social work courses.

About: Thanks to a generous donor, Mrs. Donna R. Brott, EDM ’79, the UB School of Social Work is pleased to be able to offer a scholarship to students pursuing a Master of Social Work degree who, because of a life-changing event in their lives, could otherwise not afford to pursue this advanced degree. Scholarships will be (up to) $6,000, to be evenly distributed across each enrolled semester within the year. At least two scholarships will be awarded annually.

How to Apply: 

  1. Complete the General Application in the UB Scholarship Portal.
  2. Complete the "Donna R. Brott" application in the UB Scholarship Portal.
  3. Upload 1,000 word or less essay: 
    • Share your life-changing event, how it has impacted your financial status, and how this scholarship would allow you to afford to pursue this advanced degree (MSW).

Dr. Ellen Fink-Samnick (MSW ’83, BA ’82) Health Equity Award

Eligibility: All MSW/MPH dual-degree students who are enrolled in MSW coursework in the upcoming academic year.

About: Thanks to a generous donor, Dr. Ellen Fink-Samnick, MSW ’83, BA ’82, the UB School of Social Work is pleased to be able to offer a scholarship to students enrolled in the Master of Social Work and Master of Public Health dual-degree program who are focused on interprofessional practice and health equity, and demonstrate and entrepreneurial spirit. Scholarships will be (up to) $2,500, to be evenly distributed across each enrolled semester within the year. At least one scholarship will be awarded annually.

How to Apply: 

  1. Complete the General Application form in the UB Scholarship Portal.
  2. Complete the "Ellen Fink-Samnick" application in the UB Scholarship Portal.
  3. Upload your resume or CV.
  4. Upload a maximum 1000 word essay that critically and thoroughly addresses your perspective in three key areas:
    • A. importance of interprofessional practice
    • B. challenges in health equity, and
    • C. how you have demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit as it relates to A and B above.

Kelly Ghweinem LGBTQ+ Empowerment Award

Eligibility: All MSW students currently in the program who have excelled academically and/or through field work. MSW dual-degree students are eligible to apply for the year they are fully taking social work courses.

About: The Kelly Ghweinem LGBTQ+ Empowerment Award was established to recognize and support students who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community who have excelled academically and/or through field work. Students are encouraged to apply if they meet the qualifications below:

  • Full time graduate student majoring in one of the following master degree programs in the School of Social Work: MSW, JD/MSW, MBA/MSW or MPH/MSW
  • A GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community

How to Apply:

  1. Complete the General Application in the UB Scholarship Portal.
  2. Complete the “Kelly Ghweinem LGBTQ+ Empowerment Award" application in the UB Scholarship Portal.
  3. Upload 1,000 word or less essay:
    • Describe your academic achievements and/or accomplishments through fieldwork, and explain how your experiences have prepared you to empower or positively impact the LGBTQ+ community

Hamilton-Wilson Student Assistance Fund

Eligibility: All MSW students currently in the program, as well as newly accepted applicants, who demonstrate financial need. MSW dual-degree students are eligible to apply for the year they are fully taking social work courses.

About: University at Buffalo alumnae Greer Hamilton, MSW ’16, BA ’16, and Danise Wilson, MPH ’14, were disheartened by the lack of minority representation in the field—so they did something about it.  The Hamilton-Wilson Student Assistance Fund, created by the two graduates, will provide an annual award to deserving graduate students working toward a master’s degree in social work or public health, while also connecting them with Black mentors in their respective fields.

The fund is designated to help students with non-tuition related expenses, such as books, field placement, transportation, and other needs they may have.

How to Apply:

  1. Complete the General Application in the UB Scholarship Portal.
  2. Complete the " Hamilton-Wilson Student Assistance Fund" application in the UB Scholarship Portal.
  3. Upload 1,000 word or less essay: 
    • Share a bit about yourself and how the Hamilton Student Assistance Fund would help you manage non-tuition expenses to support your success in the MSW program.

Beth and Dick Heath Fund

Eligibility: All MSW students currently in the program, as well as newly accepted applicants, who demonstrate financial need. MSW dual-degree students are eligible to apply for the year they are fully taking social work courses.

About: The Beth and Dick Heath Fund was established to provide financial assistance to Social Work students demonstrating financial need. Funds may be used for items including, but not limited to, books, childcare, food and transportation. School of Social Work students who are in financial need are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply: 

  1. Complete the General Application in the UB Scholarship Portal.
  2. Complete the " Beth and Dick Heath Fund" application in the UB Scholarship Portal.
  3. Upload 1,000 word or less essay: 
    • Share your current financial need, outlining how receiving the Beth and Dick Heath Fund would specifically assist with non-tuition expenses such as books, childcare, food, and transportation, contributing to your ability to succeed academically.

Andrew J. Laughlin Memorial Scholarship

Eligibility: Full-Time Advanced Standing MSW students currently in the program, as well as newly accepted applicants. MSW dual-degree students are eligible to apply for the year they are fully taking social work courses.

About: Trina Laughlin, BA ’96, MSW ’98 and Dennis Laughlin, in order to honor the memory of their son, Andrew J. Laughlin, have created the Andrew J. Laughlin Memorial Scholarship for Advance Standing Full-Time students in the School of Social Work. This scholarship will be awarded in the fall to the candidate who best represents the character of Andrew J. Laughlin and demonstrates adherence to the values, policies and traditions of the NASW Code of Ethics

How to Apply: 

  1. Complete the General Application in the UB Scholarship Portal.
  2. Complete the " Andrew J. Laughlin Memorial Scholarship " application in the UB Scholarship Portal.
  3. Upload a letter of recommendation from an undergraduate professor or an internship supervisor outlining how the applicant exemplifies the character traits of Andrew J. Laughlin.
  4. Upload a 1,000 word or less essay: 
    • Share how you epitomize the character of Andrew J. Laughlin and demonstrate adherence to the values, policies and traditions of the NASW Code of Ethics.

Make a Difference Scholarship Fund

Eligibility: All full-time MSW students currently in the program with a 3.0 GPA or higher, who have a completed FAFSA demonstrating financial need. MSW dual-degree students are eligible to apply for the year they are fully taking social work courses. Preference is given to residents of Monroe County, NY.

About: The Make a Difference Scholarship Fund was established to provide tuition support for advanced-year full-time MSW students in financial need. Students are encouraged to apply if they meet the qualifications below:

  • Full time graduate student majoring in one of the following master degree programs in the School of Social Work: MSW, JD/MSW, MBA/MSW or MPH/MSW
  • A GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • A completed FAFSA with demonstrated financial need

How to Apply:

  1. Complete the General Application in the UB Scholarship Portal.
  2. Complete the “Make a Difference Scholarship Fund" application in the UB Scholarship Portal.
  3. Upload a 1,000 word or less essay: 
    • Describe your financial circumstances and discuss how receiving this scholarship would enable you to achieve your academic and professional goals within the MSW program.

UB School of Social Work Award for Students Studying Child Sexual Abuse

Eligibility: Must be either (a) be enrolled in the MSW program and completing (or previously completed) a survivor course, or (b) be enrolled in a PhD or DSW program with a focus on supporting child survivors of sexual abuse. Additionally, students must demonstrate a commitment to making a difference in the life of child sexual abuse survivors.

About: The UB School of Social Work Award for Students Studying Child Sexual Abuse was established to recognize the efforts of MSW, DSW or PhD students studying child sexual abuse and support the rights and well-being of survivors.

How to Apply:

  1. Complete the General Application form in the UB Scholarship Portal.
  2. Complete the "UBSSW Award for Students Studying Child Sexual Abuse" application in the UB Scholarship Portal.
  3. Upload a maximum 1,000 word essay about how you hope to make a difference in the lives of child sexual abuse survivors in the future.