Selected Independent Funeral Homes Educational Trust

06/16/2026

If your firm operates a crematory, donating to the Trust has never been easier. Join the CARE Initiative and your allocated recycling revenues will automatically be converted into tax-deductible donations to the Trust. Then sit back and watch your donations turn into programs that support, educate, and enhance the independent funeral service profession. https://www.selectedtrust.org/show-you-care/

06/09/2026

What if your trip to Selected’s Annual Meeting was already covered?

Through the Stuart Comer Memorial Scholarship, one Selected member will receive:
✔️ Full registration
✔️ 4 nights at the Omni Louisville Hotel
✔️ $500 travel stipend

Join your peers in Louisville, September 2–5, and invest in your growth—just like Stuart Comer envisioned.

📅 Deadline: June 30
Apply today: https://smr.to/p109528

06/05/2026

🏆 Introducing the Winner's Circle Raffle! 🏆

The Selected Educational Trust is kicking off a new fundraising tradition with an incredible first prize package: a Bourbon Collector's Bundle featuring five exceptional bottles!

🎟 Tickets are $25 each, with discounts available when you purchase more.

One lucky winner will be drawn during the Trust Reception at Selected's Annual Meeting in Louisville on September 2. Every ticket purchased supports scholarships, leadership development, workforce initiatives, and other programs that advance independent funeral service. Enter today and secure your place in the Winner's Circle!

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Enter our 2026 Spring Raffle to support education that strengthens independent funeral service!Your participation helps fund scholarships, workshops, and resources that advance the skills and knowledge of independent funeral home professionals.What's included in the bundle:Colonel E.H. Taylor Straig...

06/03/2026

Selected Members of Group 2 gathered yesterday for a Roundtable Meeting in Crown Point, Indiana. The day was hosted by Geisen Funeral, Cremation & Reception Centre, and included presentations from Eterneva, Funeral Directors Life, and Precoa. Participants discussed considerations when choosing casket providers, transfer care teams, recruiting staff, as well as succession planning and strategies for using AI. The Trust was honored to be in attendance and share the day's activities with Group 2.

Members interested in attending future Roundtables in their area can register at https://www.selectedfuneralhomes.org/Meetings/upcoming-group-roundtables.

06/02/2026

We are pleased to announce that John Wild and Jake Johnson have been named this year’s Ambassador of the Year Award recipients, in recognition of their achievements and efforts in alignment with the mission of the Trust. John and Jake will receive their awards at the Selected Annual Meeting in Louisville, KY this September. To make a gift in their honor and learn more about the awards, visit https://www.selectedtrust.org/ambassador-of-the-year-awards-program/

05/29/2026

Congratulations to April Penner on being chosen as one of this year's recipients of the Chester T. French Memorial Scholarship to the Selected Leadership Academy!

"Receiving this scholarship will support my career goals as I transition into my new role as Operations Manager. It's going to help me continue developing my leadership skills, my communication skills, and the decision-making skills that I'm going to need to help my co-workers and the students that are learning and coming into this profession." ~April Penner

Watch April's video:

April is a recipient of the 2026 Selected Leadership Academy Scholarship — learn what the scholarship means to her!

05/26/2026

The Trust is awarding three $1,500 Second-Career Scholarships this spring. The deadline will be here before you know it--time to put the finishing touches on your essay and hit submit! Apply online by midnight this Sunday, May 31. Learn more and apply here: https://smr.to/p108621

05/22/2026

Congratulations to Hannah Ashley on being chosen as one of this year's recipients of the Chester T. French Memorial Scholarship to the Selected Leadership Academy!

"This opportunity is going to allow me to strengthen my leadership skills, meet industry peers, and learn how to lead with intention and integrity. My hope is that it will help me to better serve families and support my colleagues, therefore making a lasting impact with my leadership role." ~ Hannah Ashley

Watch Hannah's video:

This is "Hannah Ashley" by Selected Educational Trust on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

05/19/2026

Looking for your next opportunity in funeral service? The Trust’s Employment Center connects job seekers with independent funeral homes across the country. Find openings from Selected member firms that value quality and professionalism. Plus, thanks to Global Atlantic Financial Group, it’s completely FREE to access!

Current Listings:
✔️ Funeral Director Apprentice
✔️ Director of Operations
✔️ Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer
✔️ Funeral Director

View Job Listings here: https://www.selectedtrust.org/employment-listings/