The NGA Foundation is the 501c3 nonprofit arm of the National Grocers Association which supports the independent grocery industry. Independent grocers are privately owned by families, or by employees, these retailers operate a variety of retail formats. Independents differentiae in the marketplace based on the needs of the local community, while showing a strong commitment to civic life and providing their neighbors quality good sand nourishing foods. The industry is comprised of these organizations in addition to the wholesalers, manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers that do business with them. The Foundation provides independent retailers with tools to develop more effective recruiting programs, enhance retention efforts and bolster professional and leadership development opportunities for employees.
To learn more about the NGA Foundation click HERE
To learn more about the National Grocers Association click HERE
What is the Asparagus Club?
The Asparagus Club was founded in 1909 as a group of good fellows bound together by ties of friendship and mutual interest of cooperation and fellowship among members of the independent grocery industry. The name Asparagus Club was selected for the group to symbolize the concept that one single tip of asparagus standing alone would fall, but when tied together in a bunch could stand upright.
Since it’s inception in 1967, the Asparagus Club Scholarship Fund has awarded over $1 million to students pursuing careers in the independent grocery industry.
What is WGA?
Women Grocers of America is an affiliate organization of the NGA Foundation focused on inspiring and empowering women of the independent grocery industry through personal and professional development, cultivating connections and highlighting accomplishments and achievements.
Membership in WGA is open employees of NGA member companies throughout all levels of the industry, as well as students. For more information or to join WGA, click here.
Scholarships are provided by the generosity of our donors and affiliate groups. These scholarships are given in the name of an individual, individuals or an organization that contribute directly to the fund each year. these scholarships are designed to acknowledge and continue the legacy of those individuals and organizations an their contribution to the independent grocery industry.
The scholarship cycle* opens each year in January with a deadline to submit application in April. Selections are made and announced in early Summer. Recipient checks are disbursed to tuition offices in August. *Timeline details subject to change year to year.
• Individuals that are rising college freshman through graduate students
• Enrolled at a U.S. college or university at the time of disbursement
• Minimum GPA of 2.5
• Majoring in Business, Food Management, Accounting, Human Resources, IT or other focuses leading to a career in grocery
• Experience in the grocery industry is highly valued
*NGA Foundation scholarships are merit based, although financial need is taken into consideration.
By completing one application, students will be considered for all scholarships for which they are eligible.
Access the NGA Foundation Scholarship submission at: https://webportalapp.com/sp/ngafoundation2024
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Letters of recommendation are similar to a professional reference and should be written by a professor, employer, or mentor. Please do not submit recommendation letters written by a friend or a family member.
Once the deadline has passed we can no longer accept applications for that year. Check back in December for details on next year’s program or let us know that you would like to receive information so we can put you on our mailing list
Join our mailing list to receive updates about the scholarship program cycle.
All of the scholarships are managed by the NGA Foundation and selected by independent committees of reviewers.
Scholarship winners will be notified once selections are made in early summer. Notifications are sent to recipients including an Acceptance link to submit information needed to disburse payments directly to tuition offices.
Tuition checks will be mailed directly to the university. Notified scholarship winners should follow prompts located on the Award Acceptance notification. Reach out to NGA Foundation Staff, at nga-foundation@inbox.org if you have questions.
