The Chris Walker Education Fund Board of Trustees remains dedicated to its annual mission of honoring the late NEFA member and member of NEFA’s Board of Directors, Chris Walker. Embracing Walker's passion for education and the concept of a "lifetime of learning," the board is actively raising funds and continues to welcome grant applications until the deadline of Feb. 1, 2024.

The fund will award a total of $30,000 in grants by the end of February 2024. Applicants, including individuals, associations, foundations, and institutions, still have time to apply for grants, with individual grants of up to $1,500 or an amount equivalent to the cost of qualified industry-related education.

The Chris Walker Education Fund provides funds for projects or needs that contribute to industry education opportunities for leasing professionals. Eligible uses include grants for industry-related education, certifications (such as the Certified Lease and Finance Professionals (CLFP) designation), educational initiatives of the NEFA, or other endeavors related to the equipment finance industry. Since its establishment in 2011, the fund has granted over $100,000 in educational support. All grant applications must be submitted online through the following link.

In recent years, The Chris Walker Education Fund has disbursed thousands of dollars in grants to individuals and organizations, including the Certified Lease and Finance Professionals Foundation, Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation and National Equipment Finance Association. These organizations have utilized the funds for various educational purposes.