Leadership Raleigh
John Freehafer Scholarship Fund
Established close to twenty years ago, the John Freehafer Fund provides financial assistance through partial Leadership Raleigh tuition scholarships to small and minority owned businesses as well as nonprofit leaders. Leadership Raleigh as a program of the Raleigh Chamber is committed to narrow and the diversity, equity, and inclusion gap to advance quality of life for all our members. The key to our collective success and business strength is to cultivate a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment that reflects the full spectrum of leadership in our region.
The John Freehafer Fund allows us to engage and provide support to a diverse candidate pool for participation.
About John Freehafer
John Freehafer was a graduate of LR 17 and met his wife, Deb, during the program. He was the proud father of Grayson, an alumnus of UNC, a loyal employee of RBC Centura, and a season ticketholder for the Carolina Hurricanes. Freehafer was one of those special personalities that never failed to light up a room, and anyone who met him instantly warmed to his optimism and good humor. He was someone who cared deeply about the values that make our community one of the world’s best — faith, family, and friendship. He led a purposeful life and was committed to many organizations including the American Diabetes Association's Leadership Council, Boys & Girls Club's Breakfast of Champions, Raleigh Chamber (chair of the Greater Raleigh Sports Council at the time of his death), Prison MATCH, and Hayes Barton Baptist Church. Freehafer passed away in December 2004. His absence is constantly felt in the Leadership Raleigh family, and we continuously strive to achieve the level of excitement he held for the program. The scholarship fund was established to honor his memory and to remind all LR graduates of the value of service in all its forms—to community, family, faith, and friendship.
To apply for the scholarship, submit this form via email to leadershipraleigh@raleighchamber.org in addition to your Leadership Raleigh application via Survey Monkey.
If you’d like to be a part John Freehafer’s legacy and contribute a tax deductible gift, please contact Shana Overdorf, Director of Leadership Development at soverdorf@raleighchamber.org.
