ELFA - Equipment Leasing and Finance Association - Equipping Business for Success

ELFA Equity Fund for Professional Education

The ELFA Equity Fund for Professional Education is a new initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for underrepresented leaders within the equipment leasing and finance sector. Established by the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA), this fund is designed to support individuals who identify as diverse and are employed full-time in the equipment finance industry.

Program Details

In 2024, the ELFA Equity Fund for Professional Education will award six grants, each fully covering the registration fees for attendance at the association's prestigious Annual Convention, scheduled to take place from October 27th to 29th in Austin, Texas.  The award does not include travel or hotel expenses.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for the ELFA Equity Fund for Professional Education:

  • Must be a current ELFA member.
  • Full-time employment in the equipment finance industry.
  • First-time Annual Convention attendee.
  • Identify as a member of an underrepresented or marginalized group within the equipment leasing and finance sector, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, neurodiversity, socioeconomic status, ability, or other aspects of diversity.
  • Must have attended one of ELFA’s people power events in 2024 (Emergence2024, Equity Forum and the Women’s Leadership Forum)
  • Demonstrate a passion for the mission and goals of the fund for education, emphasizing commitment of diversity, access, empowerment, leadership, and education.
  • Must submit a completed application, Letter of Recommendation and statement.

Application Process

Interested individuals are invited to apply for the ELFA Equity Fund for Professional Education by submitting an application that includes relevant personal and professional information, along with a statement outlining how their participation at ELFA’s Annual Convention will contribute to their professional development and advancement within the industry.

NOTE: Applicants will need to register and create a profile with Survey Monkey Apply to enter and submit an application.

Review and complete the application.

Deadline

The application process will be open July 5. The deadline for submitting applications for 2024 is August 5.  Applicants will be notified of the selection outcomes by no later than August 15.

Note: Awarded applications must pay for all associated travel and lodging cost for ELFA’s Annual Convention. ELFA is responsible for registration costs only.

Contact Information

For inquiries or further information about the ELFA Equity Fund for Professional Education please contact Eboni Preston-Laurent, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at epreston@elfaonline.com

ELFA Inclusion Statement

It is our goal at ELFA to inspire and develop an inclusive and equitable industry. We leverage our purpose to promote a more inclusive community that provides a fulfilling work culture and enhances engagement throughout the Association—with our staff, member organizations, volunteers and other stakeholders. We commit to a continued focus on equity in all that we do because we believe that better outcomes are achieved when all are welcomed and able to participate. We will continue to invest to meet these goals because they are critical to moving our industry and Association forward.