Presented by Better Impact

The Tony Goodrow
Scholarship

Supporting leaders of volunteers on their journey to CVA certification. Because when volunteer managers thrive, communities thrive.

Applications close June 30, 2026 One application per person
Apply Today Learn More
$400
CVA Exam Fee Covered
June 30
Application Deadline
$0
Cost to You
About the Scholarship

A door opened for volunteer leaders

We know the volunteer management field is full of dedicated, talented professionals who pour their energy into making community programs work. And we know that a CVA certification can be a meaningful milestone on that path.

That's why we created the Tony Goodrow Scholarship: to remove a financial barrier for leaders of volunteers who are ready to take their first CVA exam. We want to see more people in the sector recognized for the expertise they've earned.

Each year, we offer a limited number of scholarships covering the full cost of a first CVA examination. Renewals are not included, as this scholarship is available to first-time applicants only.

What's included

  • Full coverage of the CVA exam registration fee ($400 USD)
  • Open to Better Impact clients and non-clients alike
  • First-time CVA exam writers only
  • No repayment required
  • Up to 10 bursaries awarded per cycle
  • Applications open April 20 to June 30, 2026
About the CVA

What is a CVA certification?

The Certified in Volunteer Administration (CVA) credential is the only internationally recognized professional certification for leaders of volunteers. It's awarded by the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (CCVA), and it's a mark of excellence, ethics, and commitment to the field.

Earning your CVA demonstrates that you have the knowledge and skills to recruit, onboard, engage, and support the dedicated volunteers who make your organization's mission possible.

The CVA is renewed every five years, reflecting a commitment to ongoing professional growth. This scholarship covers your first exam only.

Learn more at cvacert.org →
1,234

CVAs currently certified worldwide

 
4,212

All-time CVA certifications

 

The CVA exam runs twice a year, in April and October. The standard exam fee is $400 USD.

Tony Goodrow, Founder of Better Impact
The Person Behind the Name

About Tony Goodrow

Tony Goodrow is the founder of Better Impact, the volunteer management software company he built from the ground up starting in 2001. His journey into the field of volunteerism began not as a software developer but as a volunteer himself.

As the founding chair of Carpenter Hospice, a residential hospice in his community, Tony set out to find volunteer management software to support their program. When he couldn't find anything that fit the needs of volunteer-driven organizations, he built it himself. What started as a custom website to manage hospice volunteers grew into a platform now used by thousands of organizations on five continents.

"Our mission remains steadfast: equipping organizations with tools that inspire volunteer managers and enable lasting positive change." Tony Goodrow, Founder, Better Impact

Tony has presented at volunteer sector conferences around the world, pioneered the relative impact model of measuring volunteer ROI, and is the founding producer of the annual Volunteer Management Hybrid Conference. He holds an MBA and continues to be a passionate advocate for the people who lead volunteers every day.

This scholarship is named in his honor, reflecting his lifelong commitment to recognizing, supporting, and elevating the leaders of volunteers everywhere.

How to Apply

Four simple steps

Check eligibility

Review the criteria below to confirm you qualify. This scholarship is for first-time CVA exam takers only, no renewals.

Submit your application

Fill out the form on this page between April 20 and June 30, 2026. One application per person, please.

We review submissions

Our team will review all applications and notify recipients. Up to 10 bursaries will be awarded per cycle.

Register for your exam

Successful applicants will receive details on how to register for their CVA exam with the fee covered.

Eligibility

Who can apply?

We want to make this as straightforward as possible. Here is what you need to know before you apply.

You are eligible if you...

  • Lead, coordinate, or manage volunteers in any capacity
  • Are applying to write the CVA exam for the first time
  • Meet the CCVA's requirements to sit for the CVA exam
  • Submit one application per person
  • Apply between April 20 and June 30, 2026

This scholarship does not cover...

  • CVA renewal fees
  • Late exam registration fees
  • Study materials or prep courses
  • Any associated travel or conference costs
Apply Now

Ready to take the next step?

We'd love to hear from you. Fill in the form below and we'll be in touch. Applications close June 30, 2026.

 
FAQ

Your questions, answered

Who is eligible to apply for the Tony Goodrow Scholarship?

Any leader of volunteers who has not previously written the CVA exam is eligible. This includes volunteer coordinators, managers, and directors working in any type of organization. You do not have to be a Better Impact client.

When is the application deadline?

Applications are open from April 20 to June 30, 2026. We encourage you to apply as early as possible, as spots are limited.

Can I apply if I have already written the CVA exam?

No. This scholarship is specifically for first-time CVA exam writers. It does not cover renewal fees, retest fees, or any subsequent exam attempts.

What does the scholarship actually cover?

The scholarship covers the standard CVA initial certification exam fee, which is $400 USD. It does not cover study materials, late registration fees, travel, or any other costs associated with pursuing your certification.

What is the CVA certification?

The Certified in Volunteer Administration (CVA) is the only internationally recognized professional certification for leaders of volunteers. It is awarded by the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (CCVA). The credential is renewed every five years to reflect continued professional growth. You can learn more at cvacert.org.

Do I need to be a Better Impact client to apply?

No. This scholarship is open to all leaders of volunteers, regardless of whether your organization uses Better Impact software.

How will I know if I've been selected?

We will review all applications after the June 30 deadline and contact all applicants with an update. Recipients will receive instructions on how to access their scholarship to register for the CVA exam.

Who do I contact if I have more questions?

We are happy to help. Reach out to us at rob@betterimpact.com and we will get back to you as soon as we can.