Zeke Morris Scholarships

Zeke Morris is a 2011-2013 CAR Past President and was the first black President of Illinois REALTORS® in 2022. This fund provides higher education to college students or pre-license study for aspiring REALTORS® as well as post-license study for CAR members at the REALTORS® Real Estate School. Scholarship funds are awarded to individuals who support stabilization and economic development efforts on the south and west sides of Chicago.

Scholarship applications will only be accepted if received prior to the completion of the course for which the scholarship is requested. Please note that all scholarships are applicable to classroom, self-study, or webinar courses only.

Please note, the quarterly deadlines to apply for the fiscal year are:

  • WINTER: November 1st
  • SPRING: April 1st
  • SUMMER: June 1st
  • FALL: August 1st

Questions or concerns regarding your application can be directed to CARfoundation@chicagorealtor.com.

Award Amount

Scholarship Requirements

Pre License Study

Approved recipients for the Zeke Morris pre-license scholarship will receive full reimbursement for the cost of the pre-licensing course upon joining CAR as a REALTOR® member.

  • Must meet current minimum Illinois licensing standards.
  • Must submit fully completed application for consideration.
  • Valid only for the RRES pre-licensing programs.
  • 250-300 word essay explaining how you have fostered housing market stabilization and economic development efforts or made an impact within your south or west side community.
  • Include a link to a 60-90 second video on “Why do you want to be a REALTOR®?”
  • Fill out and submit a Pre-License Study application form by clicking here.

Post License Study

  • Must meet current minimum Illinois licensing standards.
  • Must be a member of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® or CommercialForum subscriber in good standing for a minimum of 1 year.
  • Valid only for the RRES post-licensing programs that are eligible for Illinois continuing education credits.
  • 250-300 word essay explaining how you have fostered housing market stabilization and economic development efforts in your community.
  • Fill out and submit a Post-License Study application form by clicking here.

Higher Education

Must have a High School diploma or GED at the time of application

  • Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of funding.
  • Be a permanent resident of Illinois.
  • Must be attending a 2 – 4 year accredited school in the State of Illinois and enrolled in a program of Real Estate or business study/focus.
  • Applicant, or the immediate family member of the applicant, must be a REALTOR® member in good standing for at least one (1) year.
  • Any application for a Higher Education scholarship must include two letters of recommendation. One of the two letters of recommendation must come from a faculty advisor at the institution of higher learning or high school guidance counselor or teacher.
  • 250-300 word essay explaining how your personal contributions have had a positive impact on your community.

Apply for the Pre-license Scholarship

Apply for the Post-license Scholarship

Apply for the Higher Education Scholarship

Panel Name: prelicense

Zeke Morris Pre-Licensing Form

    All Scholarship Applicants might be encouraged to attend a Quarterly Trustee Meeting as part of the application process.
  • MM slash DD slash YYYY
  • MM slash DD slash YYYY
  • Max. file size: 128 MB.
  • Max. file size: 128 MB.
  • Max. file size: 128 MB.
    Letters of recommendation must be written within the last 12 months of the application.
  • Max. file size: 128 MB.
  • Max. file size: 128 MB.
  • Max. file size: 128 MB.
  • **Please attach a maximum 500 word essay on the following:
    • Applicants should explain how their personal contributions have had a positive impact on their community within the following Chicago neighborhoods: Auburn Gresham, Austin, Bronzeville, Englewood, Garfield Park, Humbolt Park, South Shore and Woodlawn.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Panel Name: postlicense

Zeke Morris Post-Licensing Form

    All Scholarship Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend a Quarterly Trustee Meeting as part of the application process.
  • MM slash DD slash YYYY
  • MM slash DD slash YYYY
  • Max. file size: 128 MB.
  • Max. file size: 128 MB.
  • Max. file size: 128 MB.
    Letters of recommendation must be written within the last 12 months of the application.
  • Max. file size: 128 MB.
  • Max. file size: 128 MB.
  • **Please attach a 250-300 word essay explaining how you have fostered housing market stabilization and economic development efforts in your community.
    • Applicants should explain their personal contributions that have had a positive impact on their community, or how they have fostered housing market stabilization and economic development efforts within the following Chicago neighborhoods: Auburn Gresham, Austin, Bronzeville, Englewood, Garfield Park, Humbolt Park, South Shore and Woodlawn.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Panel Name: highered

Zeke Morris Higher Education Scholarship Application

    All Scholarship Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend a Quarterly Trustee Meeting as part of the application process.
  • MM slash DD slash YYYY
  • MM slash DD slash YYYY
  • Please list full name and address for both.
  • Max. file size: 128 MB.
  • Max. file size: 128 MB.
  • Max. file size: 128 MB.
  • Max. file size: 128 MB.
    Letters of recommendation must be written within the last 12 months of the application.
  • Max. file size: 128 MB.
  • Max. file size: 128 MB.
  • **For Zeke Morris Scholarship Fund Applicants Only – Please attach a maximum 500 word essay on the following:
    • College students should explain their personal contributions that have had a positive impact on their community within the following Chicago neighborhoods: Auburn Gresham, Austin, Bronzeville, Englewood, Garfield Park, Humbolt Park, South Shore and Woodlawn.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.