Scholarships
Each year, the IAAP Foundation invests in administrative professionals by awarding scholarships to IAAP conferences, providing many with an opportunity of a lifetime. These scholarships are made possible by the generosity of our donors.
IAAP Foundation is dedicated to supporting the educational and professional growth of administrative professionals through various scholarship opportunities. Thanks to our Power of 10 donors, a select number of Summit scholarships will also include a travel allowance for hotel and travel expenses.
Scholarship Opportunities for 2025
Char Wilkinson Leadership Scholarship:
Applications available April 9 - 30
We are excited to introduce the Wilkinson Leadership Scholarship, a brand-new opportunity designed to inspire you on your leadership journey. Some of you may know the name Char Wilkinson, a passionate IAAP member for over 50 years, the Foundation’s very first Philanthropist of the Year in 2016, and a true leader by example.
Learn more about Aspire Leadership.
Scholarship Opportunities for 2026
Applications for Summit and CAPstone of 2026 open November 1
IAAP Summit 2026 Scholarships:
Summit 2026 scholarships offer administrative professionals the chance to attend this premier event, with coverage for registration and, for select recipients, hotel and travel expenses. These scholarships provide access to leadership-focused workshops, networking opportunities, and career-enhancing sessions, all designed to empower you to thrive in your profession. Whether attending in person or virtually, scholarship recipients will experience invaluable learning and growth opportunities at Summit 2026.
Created by Roy and Nora Onishi, the Mālama ‘ohana Scholarship is for members from Hawaii, covering Summit registration, three nights at the conference hotel, and travel allowances. Preference is given to Hawaii members, embodying the spirit of ‘ohana (family).
Learn more about IAAP Summit.
IAAP CAPstone 2026 Scholarships:
CAPstone scholarships provide administrative professionals the opportunity to deepen their expertise through virtual, flexible learning. With courses offered twice per year, participants can specialize in areas like project management, human resources, or event planning, gaining valuable skills to advance their careers. CAPstone's unique combination of asynchronous coursework and interactive virtual sessions offers the perfect balance of flexibility and community."
Learn more about IAAP CAPstone.
Prepare for Upcoming Scholarships
Scholarships for Summit & CAPstone 2026 open this fall, but you don’t have to wait—applications for the Wilkinson Scholarship open April 9, 2025. This scholarship provides virtual access to the Aspire Leadership Conference in September, helping you grow as a leader.
Looking ahead? Join us in October 2025 for our next Scholarship Forum, where we’ll cover everything you need to know about applying for 2026 scholarships. Get insights into the application process, learn how to strengthen your submission, and have your questions answered. The application window for 2026 scholarships opens on November 1, 2025—start preparing now to make the most of this opportunity.
Want to get a head start? View the Scholarship Forum Replay (Recorded November 2024) for an overview of available scholarships, expert guidance on the application process, and key tips for a strong submission.
Philanthropist of the Year
The Philanthropist of the Year award is the IAAP Foundation's most prestigious award given annually to an individual who exemplifies the spirit of philanthropy through extraordinary financial and volunteer support of the administrative profession.
2024 Philanthropist of the Year
Ann Dahlke, 2024 Philanthropist of the Year.
Ann Dahlke, CAP (Expert), has been named the 2024 IAAP Foundation Philanthropist of the Year! Known for her unwavering commitment to the Foundation, Ann has been a steadfast supporter since 2010. She not only donates generously but also leverages her employer's matching gift program to maximize her impact. She is a proactive participant in every Foundation initiative, notably the Power of 10 program, where she not only joined two circles but also serves as a Circle Captain. Ann's dedication extends beyond financial support, as she actively encourages others to engage with the Foundation. Her unwavering commitment and substantial impact make her an inspiring role model within our community.
2023 Philanthropist of the Year
Karlena Rannals, 2023 Philanthropist of the Year.
Karlena Rannals, CAP exemplifies the spirit of philanthropy through extraordinary financial and voluntary support of the administrative profession. In addition to her leadership as a past IAAP Board chair, Karlena has also served as a Foundation board member. She’s always one of the first to step up for Foundation initiatives and donates the most fabulous sweepstake and auction items.
2021 Philanthropist of the Year
Karen Swoopes, 2021 Philanthropist of the Year.
Philanthropist of the Year Karen Swoopes exemplifies everything it means to be a giver. Karen is that and more. She is a donor, serves as a Foundation Ambassador, and continuously advocates on behalf of the Foundation’s mission. Her enthusiasm for the administrative profession is contagious and we are so honored to have her represent the Foundation in this capacity.
2022 Philanthropist of the Year
Nora and Roy Onishi, 2022 Philanthropist of the Year.
Nora and Roy Onishi work as a team – and that is why we chose to honor both of them as Philanthropist of the Year in 2022. The two established the Malama ‘ohana Scholarship (meaning “taking care of family”) in 2019, specifically to provide extra expense assistance so IAAP members from Hawaii can attend Summit. Nora participates in many IAAP programs and is always one of the first to support Foundation initiatives. We are fortunate to count Roy and Nora among our friends
2020 Philanthropist of the Year
Elizabeth White-Peters, CAP, 2020 Philanthropist of the Year.
Elizabeth White-Peters, CAP, was named 2020 Philanthropist of the Year during this year's IAAP virtual Summit. Elizabeth has been an IAAP Foundation donor and volunteer for several years. She serves as a Foundation Ambassador, giving her time to assist in our efforts to support admins and advance the profession.
2019 Philanthropist of the Year
Stacey Brewer, CAP, Foundation Chair, presents the 2019 Philanthropist of the Year award to Joyce Hawkins, CAP, (right) at IAAP Summit.
Joyce Hawkins, CAP, was named 2019 Philanthropist of the Year at IAAP Summit 2019. Joyce has been a supporter of the IAAP Foundation since inception. She is a leader in philanthropy and a true example of what it means to be a giver.
2018 Philanthropist of the Year
Brenda Jindra, Foundation Chair, presents the 2018 Philanthropist of the Year award to Sandy Chandler, CAP (left) at the Foundation Celebration.
Sandy Chandler, CAP, has supported the foundation for many years as a volunteer and donor. She is a long-time IAAP member and a past IAAP president. She now gives back to the profession by giving to the Foundation through her time, talent and treasure. She serves as a Foundation Ambassador and supports the foundation's mission in any way she can. She is a true giver.
2017 Philanthropist of the Year
Char Wilkinson, CAP, (left) 2016 Philanthropist of the Year, is pictured with 2017 Philanthropist of the Year Lynda Boulay, CAP, at the Foundation Celebration.
Lynda Boulay, CAP, OM has supported the foundation for many years and has previously volunteered her time on the foundation's board of directors. She also became the first Benefactor of the foundation, which means that over her lifetime, she has donated more than $15,000 to this organization. She has an extraordinary amount of passion for the organization and is a great example of a philanthropist.
2016 Philanthropist of the Year
Char Wilkinson, CAP, (left) 2016 Philanthropist of the Year, is pictured with 2017 Philanthropist of the Year Lynda Boulay, CAP, at the Foundation Celebration.
Char Wilkinson, CAP, has been a long time member of IAAP and has worked tirelessly to support educational activities targeted to the profession. This includes active participation at the chapter and division levels in raising money for the foundation and making personal contributions throughout the years in support of her colleagues. She has also served as a mentor to others in modeling her philanthropic volunteer efforts which we hope will ignite others to follow.
Family of Givers
The IAAP Foundation recognizes donors for their generosity and commitment to the mission through its Family of Givers donor recognition program.
Annual Giving
The foundation recognizes donors who make annual gifts of $100 or more annually through the Family of Givers program. The contribution can be a single contribution or several contributions that are made and completed within the calendar year, January 1 to December 31.
All contributors to the Family of Givers program will be recognized by The Foundation in appreciation for their support at the following giving levels:
• Sustaining Gifts ($100 - $499)
• Leadership Gifts ($500 - $999)
• Pacesetter Gifts ($1,000 and over)
Pacesetter givers receive a special recognition plaque.
Lifetime Giving
In appreciation of donors’ generosity, the foundation recognizes those contributors whose cumulative giving levels reach or exceed $5,000 by adding their name to a donor recognition plaque located at IAAP Headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri.
The foundation is proud to honor these caring individuals for their extraordinary commitment to the spirit and mission of The Foundation at the following levels:
• Friends of the Foundation ($5,000 - $9,999)
• Patrons of the Foundation ($10,000 - $14,999)
• Benefactors of the Foundation ($15,000 and over)
All donors who are a part of the Family of Givers will be included in the foundation’s annual report.
Legacy Society
Those who remember the foundation through a will, trust, designation or other planned gift, become a member of IAAP Foundation Legacy Society. The Legacy Society provides a way to recognize and thank donors and ensure that their wishes are properly documented.
If you are interested in being a part of The Foundation’s Legacy Society, your generosity will help provide the foundation with critical funding to help ensure that the programs of the foundation are in place to support its mission.
• Leave a legacy gift by remembering the foundation in your will
• Explore other lifetime gifts to the foundation through a charitable remainder trust, a gift of life insurance, a bequest, etc.
By making a legacy gift, you are making a statement about securing a sound financial future for the foundation and your personal commitment to the mission. Your gift will be recognized as a testimonial to the advancement of the administrative profession over time. As a member of the IAAP Foundation Legacy Society you may also encourage others to look toward the future and how they too may have an enduring impact on the causes they care about.
