College-bound students must submit their applications for the 2021-2022 James M. Kinney Scholarship by April 1.

The scholarship is offered by the Illinois Real Estate Educational Foundation (REEF) to students pursuing a college or university education in any chosen field. Get a copy of the application here.

Applicants must be children or grandchildren of:

  • REALTORS®,
  • REALTOR® Associate members of Illinois REALTORS® in good standing and
  • Employees of the National Association of REALTORS®, Illinois REALTORS® or local Illinois REALTOR® association.

Scholarships will be awarded using the following criteria:

  • Applicant’s record of scholastic achievement, including academic grade point average,
  • Applicant’s economic need or situation,
  • References and recommendations by instructors, employers, REALTORS® or other prominent individuals.

The number of scholarships awarded will be determined by REEF, and scholarships may be used for expenses including tuition, room and board, texts and materials.

The Kinney Scholarship was established in 2002 in recognition of Kinney’s years of distinguished service to REEF. He is a former dean of the REALTOR® Institute of Illinois, a past president of REEF and an advocate of education. He is vice president of luxury home sales for Baird & Warner in Chicago. He was the 2015 Illinois REALTORS® president, the 2004 Illinois REALTOR® of the Year and the 2002 REALTOR® of the Year for the Chicago Association of REALTORS®.

REEF is a not-for-profit organization established to aid and promote the work of real estate education throughout Illinois. The foundation is supported by voluntary contributions from organizations and individuals who recognize the importance of furthering academic experience and training in the real estate industry in Illinois.

Other scholarships with April deadlines

REEF offers seven other scholarships with April 1 deadlines: Academic Scholarship, Daniel L. Goodwin Scholarship, George Patt Scholarship, Morgan L. Fitch Scholarship, Parker R. Oldenettel Scholarship, Richard “Dick” Wiegers Scholarship and Thomas F. Seay Scholarship.

Since 2000, REEF has awarded 1,088 scholarships worth $803,150 to real estate professionals and their families.

For more information and applications, go to ilreef.org/scholarships/.