2025 PHIP Scholarship Information
Who this scholarship is named after:
Bob Heffelfinger (aka “Uncle Bob”)
PHiP Director of Membership, 2002 – 2015
“Uncle Bob”, as he was known by many, was a lover of all things Jimmy Buffett and the Parrothead life: Music, Adult Beverages, Travel, Lasting Friendships and Giving Back.
When PHiP was in its early years, and the internet was uniting like-minded people, many Buffett message boards were also becoming popular. Known as a frequent participant on those boards, Bob began to take notice of events that Parrot Head Clubs that were organizing around the nation and it was the theme “Party With A Purpose” that urged him to get involved.
Soon after, he found and joined his local club in Memphis, TN.
In 2002, with a vision of what this Parrothead organization could become, he decided to take his dreams and ideas nationally. That same year he ran and won the Board seat Director of Membership.
Having a seat on the national Board, he used his time in office to assist in growing the organization into what it has become today.
He spent his time recruiting potential new clubs in areas where there wasn’t any PHiP presence. He also took on other duties such as communicating with Club Leaders, working with the Regional Communicators, developing club records and as well as many other responsibilities.
It was a dream of Bob’s that one day, PHiP would establish its very own scholarship. In 2008, his vision of a PHiP Scholarship was brought to fruition.
Bob retired in 2015, due to health concerns and in 2016 he left this world.
In 2021, the PHiP Board of Directors voted to add Bob Heffelfinger’s name to the Parrot Heads in Paradise Scholarship in honor of his devotion, his commitment to the members of this organization. But also, to keep alive his dedication and love for Parrot Heads in Paradise, Inc.
Parrot Heads In Paradise Scholarship Application Information
Amount
Three awards: First: $5,000, Second: $3,000, Third: $2,000
Eligibility
Parrot Head Club Members and Children or Wards of Parrot Head Club Members
Criteria
High School Graduates (or equivalent) attending Post Secondary Schools
SEE PREVIOUS SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!
Description
The Scholarship is for current Parrot Head Club Members of an officially Chartered Chapter or their children or wards of PHiP Parrot Head Club members for post secondary education. This program was established in 2008. Three scholarships will be awarded in 2025.
The funds may be used for tuition, books or living expenses, at an accredited four-year university or college of the student’s choice. The award will be paid to the winners’ school account, when a student account is established.
Additional Criteria for this scholarship includes: High School cumulative grade point must be 2.5 or higher, or School Entrance Test Scores must be in the top 40%. The highest consideration will be given to applicants who demonstrate previous examples of participation and leadership for Civic, Environmental, Charity and / or Parrot Head Club volunteer work. High consideration given to applicants who will be pursuing a course of study that leads to a degree, certification, or credentials.
Response Questions: The application contains questions or statements, which require a specific response. These responses are part of the application process and are very important for the award. ALL application word documents are specifically named & must be submitted as named. You must attach them as TWO separate “Word” documents when submitting your finished application form using the link below … these attachments include the three blind questions response and your essay.
Email: phipscholarship@gmail.com if there are any questions or issues with the application or submission process.
Place “PHIP Scholarship Question” or “PHIP Scholarship Submission Problems” in the subject line of your email.
To Apply:
Apply by completing the Parrot Head Scholarship Application Form (link below) which provides access to the download links for the “Essay” and “Question” documents. Links to these two documents are also listed below (for convenience). It is suggested to finish these two documents prior to filling out the application form since they need to be completed and available for upload prior to submitting the form.
Only electronic submissions will be accepted.
- PHIP Bob Heffelfinger Memorial Scholarship Application Form
- PHIP-Scholarship-Questions-2026
- PHIP-Scholarship-Essay-2026
Incomplete applications or those who did not follow all instructions for this application process will not be considered eligible.
Selection: The PHiP Board of Directors will appoint the selection committee after May 15th for submission of the scholarship application. Deadline for applicants is May 15th of this year, for enrollment for fall term (summer terms not applicable). Students may apply yearly; the awards will be given annually, based on a new application process.