The Financial Planning Association of the East Bay is proud to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Chad V. Perbeck Memorial Scholarship.
Made possible through the generous support of FPA of the East Bay, this annual scholarship honors the memory of Chad V. Perbeck and his commitment to financial education, professional development, and the future of the financial planning profession.
FPA East Bay offers $1,000 scholarships to qualified financial planning students pursuing the CFP® designation or participating in the FPA Residency Program.
Applications for the 2026 scholarship must be submitted by December 15, 2026.
Choose One Scholarship
Applicants may apply for one of the following:
- CFP® Certificant Scholarship
- FPA Residency Scholarship
Applicants should select only one scholarship category on their application.
Scholarship Award
Each scholarship award is $1,000.
Funds may be used toward qualifying educational and professional development expenses, including:
- CFP® coursework
- CFP® exam review courses
- CFP® examination fees
- Tuition for the FPA Residency Program
- Other approved financial planning education expenses
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Applicants must meet the following scholarship eligibility requirements:
- You must intend to complete all required CFP® courses and become a CFP® certificate holder.
- If your employer reimburses 50% or more of the costs associated with your CFP® education or FPA Residency Program, you are not eligible for the scholarship.
- You must be a current and continuing member of the Financial Planning Association.
- Preference is given to applicants affiliated with the FPA East Bay Chapter who are committed to regularly attending chapter meetings and becoming involved in the chapter.
- Applicants from the San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and Northern California FPA chapters may also be considered.
- You must not have received another FPA or CFP®-related scholarship within the previous 24 months.
Applicants who are not currently FPA members will be asked to indicate which chapter they plan to join.
Information Requested on the Application
The 2026 scholarship application asks applicants to provide basic contact, employment, education, and professional development information, including:
- Name and employer
- Mailing address
- Phone number and email address
- CFP® education program
- Degree or certificate being pursued
- Date of enrollment
- Projected program completion date
- Projected CFP® review course date
- Projected CFP® exam date
- Current FPA membership status and chapter affiliation
- Employer reimbursement eligibility and details, if applicable
Applicants must complete and sign the application certifying that all information provided is complete and accurate.
What to Include With Your Application
In addition to the completed application, applicants must submit the following supporting materials.
1. Professional Resume
Include a professional resume listing all current and previous employment.
2. Professional Affiliations and Achievements
Provide information about:
- Professional affiliations
- Extracurricular activities
- Professional or academic achievements
- FPA-related awards or grants received to date
3. Personal Letter or Essay
Applicants should write a letter or essay addressing the following questions:
- Why have you chosen the financial planning profession?
- What do you believe are the benefits of obtaining the CFP® designation?
- How will you use the scholarship funds?
- What are your career goals over the next five years?
- Is there any additional information you would like the scholarship committee to consider?
Applicants may use the funds for CFP® coursework, an exam review course, CFP® examination fees, FPA Residency Program tuition, or another qualifying expense.
4. Letter or Letters of Recommendation
Include one or more letters of recommendation from qualified individuals who can speak to your professional abilities, character, education, or career goals.
Recommendations may come from:
- Instructors
- CFP® practitioners
- Professional colleagues
- Employers
- Other qualified individuals
Important 2026 Scholarship Dates
- Applications Open: Now
- Application Deadline: December 15, 2026
Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their materials early, particularly if they need time to request letters of recommendation.
How to Apply
To apply for the 2026 Chad V. Perbeck Memorial Scholarship:
- Download and complete the scholarship application.
- Select either the CFP® Certificant Scholarship or FPA Residency Scholarship.
- Complete all requested education, employment, membership, and contact information.
- Sign and date the application.
- Include your resume, professional affiliations and achievements, personal letter or essay, and recommendation letter(s).
- Email the completed application and all supporting materials to:
FPA East Bay Scholarship Applications
[email protected]
Applications must be submitted by December 15, 2026.
Click Here to Download the 2026 Chad V. Perbeck Scholarship Application
Honoring Chad V. Perbeck’s Legacy
The Chad V. Perbeck Memorial Scholarship helps carry forward a commitment to education, professional excellence, and service within the financial planning community.
By helping future CFP® professionals continue their education and professional development, the scholarship supports people who are preparing to make a meaningful impact in the lives of their clients and in the financial planning profession.
FPA East Bay is proud to support the next generation of financial planners and encourages eligible students and professionals throughout the Bay Area and Northern California FPA community to apply.
Questions about the scholarship or application process?
Email [email protected] for more information.
