NLHA Education Fund

Scholarship Sponsored by National Leased Housing Association

The NLHA Education Fund was established as a 501(c)(3) organization to raise funds for the purpose of awarding education grants and scholarships to low-income individuals residing in federally assisted rental housing owned, managed, or administered by members of the National Leased Housing Association. The National Leased Housing Association (NLHA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the development and preservation of decent and safe affordable rental housing.

Who is Eligible

Residents of privately owned federally assisted low-income housing properties (Section 8, low-income housing tax credits, etc.) or recipients of Section 8 voucher assistance that demonstrate both merit and need.

Types of Scholarships

The NLHA Education Fund will offer four types of scholarships: one in recognition of one of the nation’s largest affordable rental housing providers and three in memory of three dedicated housing professionals and active NLHA members. The deadline for application submission is Friday, April 14, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ET. All applications must be submitted electronically using the link provided. Applications will be accepted online starting November 1.

Students must decide on ONE of the following scholarships when submitting their application:

Air Gives Opportunity Scholarship: Established in recognition of the leading role AIR Communities plays in providing quality apartment homes nationwide and its commitment to outstanding corporate citizenship. This scholarship is directed to eligible applicants living in or coming from affordable housing who demonstrate both merit and need and are pursuing an undergraduate degree. 

William F. Gandert Memorial Vocational Scholarship: Bill Gandert was instrumental in the creation of numerous public housing authorities in the State of Ohio and served as general counsel for many of them as well as Executive Director of the Mansfield, Crawford, Huron, Marion and Seneca County Metropolitan Housing Authorities. A vocal advocate for the poor, Bill helped found a number of poverty programs in his state and was an active NLHA member, serving as the organization’s 7th President. This scholarship is to benefit an eligible graduating high school senior or returning student who demonstrates both merit and need to pursue educational opportunities in a specific trade or vocation.

Mary Lou Manzie Memorial Scholarship: Mary Lou Manzie was a woman who dedicated her career to providing safe, decent and affordable housing. She was always willing to look at new and effortless ways to achieve that goal. A member of the National Leased Housing Association from 1975 until her death in 2006, she served as an Officer and Director of NLHA for many years. This scholarship is to benefit a non-traditional student by providing eligible applicants who demonstrate both merit and need, a chance to pursue higher education or other training that will lead to better employment opportunities.

Neil Churchill Memorial Scholarship: A past NLHA President and a true Section 8 advocate, Neil worked at HUD early in his career and went on to become a developer, bond underwriter and FHA specialist. Before his untimely death in 2003, he was a Vice President with GMAC. Neil devoted his entire career to affordable housing. This scholarship is for eligible applicants who are graduating college and pursuing graduate level study (or otherwise seeking a graduate education) who demonstrate both merit and need.