Author and longtime NCW member, Jerry Eckert passed away May 27, 2015. He had spent over half of his life trying to save the world. Given more time on earth, he probably would have done just that. From South Asia to South Africa, Jerry brought change to poverty-stricken countries through redirecting agriculture and labor policies, and developed the framework that led to a new bill of rights in South Africa in 1997. Jerry's memoir, Weeping Kings and Wild Boars: Moments of Magic and Sorrow in Forty Years of Trying to Save the World, is a beautiful compilation of essays about his travels and dedication to making the world a better place. 

We want to honor and celebrate his legacy, so we created the Jerry Eckert Scholarship. Jerry not only had a passion for creating change and bettering communities, he also had a love for writing. The scholarship will make it possible for a fellow philanthropic writer to attend the Northern Colorado Writers Conference for free.

In 500 hundred words or fewer, we want to know what you’re doing to help those in your community, or even globally. Don’t worry, we’re not looking for the next Hemingway; we want to see your passion for making a difference and how you’re implementing writing in your quest for affecting change.

You don’t need to be moving mountains and rewriting economic policies; even small efforts lead to big change. What’s important, is that you’re passionate about improving the world for others and are doing something to make it happen.

One-hundred percent of the proceeds will go toward the entrance fee to the annual NCW Conference in the spring. The more money we raise, the more writers-who-are-making-a-difference, can attend. The essay contest is open to high school students and up.

Jerry left behind a beautiful legacy of compassion for his fellow man and inspired so many, including his NCW family. We hope that his work encourages you to get out and lend a hand in your community, which will undoubtedly, inspire others to do the same.

“All the pieces fit and the result was unprecedented. South Africa would never again be the same. They could never again ignore the economic plight of the poorer classes or the income inequality that was so pervasive. It was one of those out-of-body moments. I know I walked around the block, but my mind floated in another place. Something good had happened and I was privileged to have been a part of it.”

                                                                        -Jerry Eckert

 To apply:

Email your essay between September 15, 2018 and December 15, 2018 to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line: Jerry Eckert Scholarship. Please include your name, address, email, and phone number in the document. Recipients are chosen by the Eckert family.

Congratulations to Dan Anderson, our 2019 scholarship recipient!

If you are interested in sponsoring a recipient, please email April Moore at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. For conference information: Click HERE. 

All donors will be listed in our conference program and those donating over $100 will also be mentioned with a thank you during the Friday Banquet dinner on May 3, 2019. You can donate at GoFundMe or via PayPal: