The Donn Devine Memorial Scholarship honors the significant contributions of Donn Devine, JD, CG Emeritus, FNGS, to both genealogy and the legal field, especially his dedication to ethical research and volunteer service. This scholarship supports a genealogist who has demonstrated meaningful volunteer involvement and is ready to advance their skills through comprehensive genealogical instruction.

Deadline for submissions is 10 January 2026. Applicants will be notified by 3 February 2026.

This scholarship covers full tuition for one week-long GRIP Genealogy Institute course (virtual or in person) during the 2026 award year. Courses span a wide variety of topics, including DNA, documentation, technology, land and military records, and regionally focused research. Check out the list of 2026 courses on the GRIP Genealogy Institute site.

If the recipient chooses the in-person session in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the award also includes shared on-campus housing. The recipient is responsible for their own travel and transportation. If the recipient chooses a virtual session, the scholarship covers full tuition for that week.

There is no cash award associated with this scholarship. The award must be used in the summer 2026 GRIP session for which it is granted. Any housing upgrades, travel, or course-related personal costs are the recipient’s responsibility.

Applicants must:

• Not have previously attended a GRIP Genealogy Institute course (first-time GRIP attendee only)
• Demonstrate meaningful volunteer involvement (genealogy-focused or broader community service)
• Submit all materials in English; applicants worldwide are welcome

Complete the online application form. The application must be accompanied by a 500-word essay (Google or Word document) describing your volunteer activities and how you will use the scholarship to honor Donn Devine’s legacy of volunteerism and giving. Please include your name and address on your essay.

Applicants must also provide the following during the application process:

• Full name
• Mailing address
• Email address
• Phone
• Your profession
• Your level in genealogy (beginner, novice, intermediate, professional)
• Past genealogical institutes attended (if any)
• How did you hear about the scholarship?

The deadline for applications is 10 January 2026. The scholarship winner will be notified by 3 February 2026.

Donn Devine was a nationally known genealogist, attorney, and educator whose leadership helped strengthen standards and professionalism in the field. He was a pioneer in the responsible use of DNA as genealogical evidence and held both Certified Genealogist® and Certified Genealogical Lecturer credentials. Donn served the Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG) as a trustee and later general counsel, and was awarded the Certified Genealogist Emeritus title in 2018. He also served on the NGS Board of Directors and chaired its standards committee, and in 2013 was elected a Fellow of the National Genealogical Society.