The NGA Foundation is the 501(c)3 nonprofit arm of the National Grocers Association. The Foundation provides independent retailers with tools to develop more effective recruiting programs, enhance retention efforts and bolster professional leadership development opportunities for employers.
To learn more about the NGA Foundation click HERE
To learn more about the National Grocers Association click HERE
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.
Women Grocers of America is an affiliate organization of the NGA Foundation, and is focused on supporting and highlighting women in a predominantly male industry. The mission of WGA is to promote the recruitment, growth, development and empowerment of women in the independent grocery industry.
Membership in WGA is open to people throughout all levels of the industry as well as students. For more information or to join WGA please click HERE.
Scholarships are provided by the generosity of our donors and affiliate groups.
A legacy scholarship is a one-time award given in the name of an individual or individuals who contribute directly to the fund each year. These scholarships are designed to acknowledge and continue the legacy of those individuals and organizations and their contribution to the independent grocery industry.
Asparagus Club scholarships are awarded for up to four semesters, provided that the recipient continues to meet eligibility requirements.
Scholarship application details will be posted in January for the following academic year. Students are able to apply for scholarships from the posting date until the deadline in April.
*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.
Students should fill out the application on this website and submit it to the NGA Foundation with the following supporting materials
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 academic year. Please check back in December for details on next year’s program.
Interested students may also contact Maggie White at mwhite@nationalgrocers.org to be placed on a notification list to receive information as soon as it is made available.
All of the scholarships are managed by the NGA Foundation and selected by independent committees of reviewers.
Scholarship winners will be notified in August. An official announcement will be posted once all winners have been notified.
Tuition checks will be mailed directly to the university.
Asparagus Club scholars may be eligible for payments for up to four semesters, if they maintain the original qualifications. Asparagus Club scholars are responsible for submitting a copy of their transcript and proof of enrollment to the NGA Foundation prior to each semester they wish to receive payment.
