CFP Board Announces $500,000 Gift for College Scholars Program

The CFP Board announced a $500,000 donation from financial professionals Charles and Judy Goldman to launch the Goldman Scholars program. The gift will provide financial assistance to college students pursuing the education required to get Certified Financial Planner certification through an undergraduate-level CFP Board registered program.

The scholarship will be open to U.S. citizen or permanent resident college juniors and seniors from underrepresented backgrounds who demonstrate strong academic performance and are enrolled in a CFP Board registered program. The Goldman Scholars program will provide up to $2,812.50 per student per year in financial support paid directly to their academic institution, with four awards granted each year. College juniors will apply for a two-year scholarship. Applications opened on August 27 and run through October 7, with the winners notified on December 2.

“This transformational scholarship is a tremendous opportunity for ambitious students,” said CFP Board CEO Kevin Keller in a statement. “We are grateful to the Goldmans for supporting the next generation of financial planners and helping to create a more diverse community of future CFP professionals.”

The Goldman Scholars program aims to offer its recipients more than just financial support as they work toward CFP certification, according to the organization. Over time, the program will seek to provide additional resources, such as professional development opportunities, job or internship placement assistance and virtual or in-person networking events.

The Goldmans both had careers in financial services. Judy spent 20 years in finance before launching her own ventures, including Design Studio Interior Solutions, an interior design firm, and Front Range Design Center, a logistics company serving the building industry.

“Philanthropy is a cornerstone of our lives, and we are thrilled to support students seeking CFP certification,” said Judy Goldman in a statement. “By helping these students become CFP professionals, we also expand the public’s access to competent, ethical financial planning.”

Charles has held leadership roles at several financial services firms, including serving as president and CEO of AssetMark Inc. He has also been a leader at Fidelity Investments and Charles Schwab, and he currently sits on the board of directors for multiple Genstar portfolio companies.

“We have been part of the financial planning community for decades and benefited from this industry in many ways,” said Charles Goldman in a statement. “We are excited to create an endowment that will help bring people from underserved communities into this wonderful industry.”