
Mission
TRPEF strives to improve the quality of life for all Tennesseans by promoting an appreciation and understanding of the merits and values of recreation and parks. The organization achieves these objectives through charitable causes, educational endeavors, and scientific research.
Support TRPEF's Mission!

- JOIN TRPEF Click here for the TRPEF membership form and the QR code above or click here and follow the steps for online payment.
- Donate now! Support TRPEF's mission by making your tax-deductible donation today by clicking here or scanning the QR code above.
Scholarships Available
- Professional Scholarships - for people attending professional training programs
- Certification Scholarships - for people applying for the CPRP or CPRE certifications
- Student Scholarships - for students majoring in a declared major and/or concentration in a recreation/parks field: Health and Human Performance, Recreation, Resource Management, Leisure Studies, Turf Management, Forestry or related majors.
For more information, please see each scholarship below.
Professional Scholarships
Application have been suspended for 2024. If your event is in 2025 please use the link below to apply. - Scholarships for schools/workshops (Application will be reviewed at the next TRPEF Board Meeting). Applications are accepted January 1-March 15. We look forward to receiving your application when we reopen the process.
Apply for the scholarship here: https://form.jotform.com/241926267574062
Certification Scholarships
The purpose of these scholarships is to assist individuals with the application fee to become certified. The scholarships are made possible by generous donations from various agencies and individuals across the state of Tennessee. Individuals are encouraged to apply for the scholarship if they meet the certification criteria. Please note the application links and deadlines listed below.
- Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) Criteria
- Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) Criteria
Applications are open January 1-March 15. - Apply for the scholarship here: https://form.jotform.com/242187575110151

Student Scholarships!
The purpose of these scholarships is to assist students with their education by providing a monetary award. The scholarships are made possible by generous donations from various agencies and individuals across the state of Tennessee. Students are encouraged to apply for the scholarship if they meet the criteria. Please note the application link and deadlines listed below.
- Application Eligibility Requirements
- Applicant must be one of the following:
- Option 1: Currently enrolled as a part-time or full-time undergraduate student in an accredited institution or university within the State of Tennessee majoring in a recreation and/or park field*.
- Option 2: Currently enrolled as a part-time or full-time undergraduate student in an accredited institution or university within the State of Tennessee with a major of study that is not a typical recreation and/or park field. For this, the applicant must convey the specific beneficial impact of pursuing the degree to the Parks and Recreation field and must be currently working for a Parks and Recreation Department.
- Option 3: Currently enrolled as a part-time or full-time graduate student in an accredited institution or university within the State of Tennessee majoring in a recreation and/or park field*.
- Option 4: Currently enrolled as a part-time or full-time graduate student in an accredited institution or university within the State of Tennessee with a major of study that is not a typical recreation and/or park field. For this, the applicant must convey the specific beneficial impact of pursuing the degree to the Parks and Recreation field and must be currently working for a Parks and Recreation Department.
*Majors and/or concentration considered in a recreation/parks field: Health and Human Performance, Recreation, Resource, Management, Leisure Studies, Turf Management, Forestry, Sports Management, or related majors.
- The student must have a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA with a minimum 3.0 major GPA verified by attached transcript.
- Applicant is required to join TRPEF prior to application submittal. The cost is $10. Check with your Parks and Recreation department as you may already be a member if you are employed.
- Join TRPEF at https://www.trpa.net/trpef (and click TRPEF Donations) or https://secure.membershipsoftware.org/trpasecure/donation_pay.asp
Application Deadline July 1-September 31.