Generous Calgary Foundation donors assist students in their post-secondary journeys through awards, scholarships and bursaries in diverse areas of interest and study.
Online application forms will be available before the end of January.
Most of Calgary Foundation’s awards are for Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
Student award applicants must be enrolled at a post-secondary institution recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) as a “qualified donee.” To determine if your post-secondary institution is a qualified donee, please visit the CRA’s website.
Please note for Calgary Foundation student awards, professional degree programs that lead to entry-to-practice professions are identified as graduate level programs (e.g., Juris Doctor (JD), Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), etc.).
Established in memory of Douglas Parnham, founder of the Calgary Boys’ Choir to celebrate its 45th Anniversary.
To learn more about Douglas Parnham and Calgary Boys’ Choir history, click here.
One award valued at $1,000, applied directly to tuition.
The applicant must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Be studying music, specializing in Choral Music and Music Education.
- Be enrolled in third year of study or beyond of an undergraduate degree or studying at the Graduate level.
- Be attending University of Alberta, University of Calgary, University of Lethbridge, Ambrose University, MacEwan University, Concordia University of Edmonton or The King’s University.
- Demonstrate a choral background, passion for teaching, music education for youth and leadership in choral conducting.
Established by members of the Thorner/Johnston/DiMarzo Family, this bursary provides financial support to First Nations, Métis and Inuit students who plan to pursue post-secondary education.
Six bursaries valued at $3,000 each, applied directly to tuition. Four bursaries provided by the Thorner/Johnston/DiMarzo Family Fund at Calgary Foundation and two bursaries provided by Calgary Foundation.
Applicant must:
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Be attending any year of study at an Alberta post-secondary institution pursuing an undergraduate degree, diploma or certificate program.
- Write a short essay sharing their connection to First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit culture and community, describing their future plans and aspirations and how financial support will help them achieve their goals.
- Provide one letter of reference.
In recognition of Jim Dinning’s contributions to public affairs of Alberta, both as a senior member of the Executive of the Government of the Province of Alberta and as a member of the Legislative Assembly representing the provincial constituency of Calgary Lougheed.
One award valued at a minimum of $2,000, applied directly to tuition.
The applicant must be:
- Entering second year of full-time studies in their first undergraduate program attending one of the following: Alberta University of the Arts, Bow Valley College, Mount Royal University, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, University of Calgary.
- Able to demonstrate commitment to community development and leadership (has contributed to the community by volunteering through community organizations, athletics, and cultural or political activities).
- Able to demonstrate strong academic achievement.
Three awards available at approximately $1,000 each, applied directly to tuition.
The applicant must:
- Demonstrate a commitment to community development and leadership.
- Contribute to the community by volunteering with a non-profit group or has held a position of responsibility with a community organization.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Be currently attending an accredited post-secondary institution in Canada and be enrolling in their final year of any undergraduate degree or diploma program in the upcoming fall.
- Demonstrate satisfactory academic standing.
- Be a resident of southern Alberta or has graduated from a southern Alberta high school (south of and including Red Deer).
The Dr. Scott Rairdan Memorial Agriculture Award was established to recognize aptitude and encourage learning in the area of Agriculture and Large Animal Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Scott Rairdan graduated from William E. Hay Composite High School in 1973 with honours. He starred on the football team, served on the student’s union executive, participated in intramural sports, curling and ski clubs. Scott was outgoing, positive, and clearly an achiever who was well respected by his peers. After completing two years of pre-veterinary medicine at the University of Alberta, Scott was accepted into the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan and subsequently graduated in 1979. After building a successful veterinary practice, Dr. Rairdan went on to co-found Davis-Rairdan Embryo Transplants Ltd., an industry leader in bovine embryo transfers. Scott’s sudden passing at the young age of 40 years spawned the creation of the Scott Rairdan Foundation Fund at Calgary Foundation. Awards such as this one bestowed upon deserving young people serve to honour Scott’s memory and celebrate his zest for life!
One or more awards valued at $1,500 minimum, applied directly to tuition.
Applicants must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Be in any year of study pursuing an undergraduate or graduate diploma or degree at a Canadian post-secondary institution.
- Be studying in the field of agriculture with emphasis on Animal Science, Agribusiness or Veterinary Medicine.
- Demonstrate aptitude and experience in agriculture with an emphasis on Animal Science or Large Animal Veterinary Medicine.
- Demonstrate leadership and active participation in extra-curricular activities.
The Stockmen’s Memorial Foundation was officially organized in 1980 by fifty founding members comprised of ranchers, farmers and individuals to commemorate the Canadian livestock industry. Created with a generous donation by Dr. Bob Church, a member of the pioneering Church family, the award recognizes their legacy, contributions, continuance and preservation of western traditions.
One or more awards valued at approximately $1,000, applied directly to tuition.
The applicant must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Be entering second year or beyond in an Agriculture or Agriculture-related Program at a Canadian post-secondary institution.
- Demonstrate community involvement and good academic standing (GPA greater than or equal to 2.7 or 70%).
- Write a short original essay (500-750 words) describing their agricultural background, historical family connections, connection to the livestock/agriculture industry in Western Canada and aspirations to continue the tradition.
The John Shirra Memorial Scholarship was established by John’s family, friends and business colleagues whose lives have been enriched by knowing John during his life.
Click here to learn more about John Shirra.
Two awards valued at $1,500 each, applied directly to tuition.
The applicant must:
- Be enrolled in 3rd year or beyond in the Bachelor of Commerce program at the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary.
- Demonstrate commitment to community development and leadership.
- Financial need may be considered.
The Kyle Block Scholarship is in memory of Kyle Alfonso Block, known by his many friends, teammates and fellow musicians for his quick wit, kind heart and adventurous spirit. After graduating from William Aberhart High School, Kyle attended the University of British Columbia where he achieved top honours in Engineering and Economics. He went on to study law at the University of Saskatchewan. Kyle had a passion for hockey and music and believed strongly in equal opportunity for all. In his long and high-level hockey career, Kyle played on teams such as the Junior A Yorkton Terriers and the UBC Thunderbirds. He was known by all as a great teammate. While pursuing his post-secondary studies in British Columbia and Saskatchewan, Kyle continued to play hockey and music with his friends and teammates.
The Kyle Block Scholarship assists worthy recipients to pursue post-secondary studies who are or have been active in competitive sport, music, fine arts or social issues.
One or more awards valued at a minimum of $2,500, applied directly to tuition.
The applicant must be:
- A Canadian citizen or permanent resident studying engineering, business or law (Juris Doctor).
- Enrolled in second year of study or beyond.
- Enrolled in a qualified post-secondary institution in Alberta, Saskatchewan or British Columbia.
- In addition to financial need and good academic standing (GPA greater than or equal to 2.7 or 70%), involvement (past or present) in competitive sports, music, fine arts or social justice issues.
Established to honour the legacy of Shannon’s love for the horse and extensive involvement in the Quarter Horse industry. Shannon was an active director and treasurer for both the Quarter Horse Association of Alberta and the Canadian Quarter Horse Association, and was an Alberta director for the American Quarter Horse Association. Her involvement also extended to Equine Canada committees.
To learn more about Shannon Burwash click here. To read about past recipients click here.
The goal of these awards is to attract and encourage horse-oriented students to pursue post-secondary education so they are better prepared for leadership and excellence in the equine industry.
Two awards valued at $1,000 each applied directly to tuition.
Applicant Criteria:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Be entering first or second year of full-time study at a Canadian post-secondary.
- Be in one of the following fields of study: agriculture, agri-business, animal health technology, or veterinary medicine with potential application to horses or the horse industry.
- Demonstrate good academic standing (GPA greater than or equal to 2.7 or 70%).
- Show leadership and volunteerism in school and the community.
- Preference will be given to students with a rural background and/or with extensive participation in the horse industry.
Financial need may be considered.
*Note: If you are entering your third year of undergraduate study or beyond, please apply for the Shannon Burwash Award for Leadership and Excellence in Equine, Agribusiness, and/or Agriculture Activities.
Established to honour the legacy of Shannon’s love for the horse and extensive involvement in the Quarter Horse industry. Shannon was an active director and treasurer for both the Quarter Horse Association of Alberta and the Canadian Quarter Horse Association, and was an Alberta director for the American Quarter Horse Association. Her involvement also extended to Equine Canada committees.
To learn more about Shannon Burwash click here. To read about past recipients click here.
The goal of this award is to attract and encourage horse-oriented students to pursue post-secondary education so they are better prepared for leadership and excellence in the equine industry.
One award valued at $2,000, applied directly to tuition.
Applicant Criteria:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Be entering more advanced years of study (third year and beyond) in any of the following fields: agriculture, agri-business, animal health technology, or veterinary medicine that can be applied to horses or the horse industry.
- Be attending an accredited Canadian post-secondary institution.
- Preference will be given to students with a rural background and/or with extensive participation in the horse industry who plan to pursue an equine-oriented career.
Financial need may be considered.
*Note: If you are entering your first or second year of study, please apply for the Shannon Burwash Award for Encouragement in Equine & Agricultural Studies.
In memory of Shelagh Mikulak who was a leader in the library community, an innovator in her field, and an inspiration to those she worked with. Shelagh valued and respected the individuals she worked with throughout her career, mentoring aspiring and established librarians alike. As a long-standing and executive member of the Calgary Law Library Group, past president of the Special Libraries Association of Western Canada, and volunteer with the Canadian Library Association and Canadian Association of Law Libraries, Shelagh dedicated her time to encouraging the professional development of others in her field.
Click here to learn more about Shelagh Neary Mikulak.
Two awards at approximately $2,000, applied directly to tuition.
The applicant must be:
- Enrolled in a Library and Information Sciences or Library Technician program, (Certificate, Diploma, or Graduate degree) who demonstrates a passion for the library sciences field.
- In any year of study at a Canadian post-secondary institution.
- Able to demonstrate financial need.
This award has been established in recognition of the community service contributions and professional achievements in rural Canada across six provinces plus two territories by four generations of the extended Smillie family (Burrow, Robbins, Smellie, Smiley).
The Smillie Family Education Award encourages and supports post-secondary educational opportunities for students who have resided in rural towns, villages, hamlets or on agricultural operations across Canada. Applicants should demonstrate active leadership and volunteerism in their community and how this award would assist them in achieving their goals.
Two awards valued at $2,000 each, applied directly to tuition.
The applicant must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who has resided in a rural Canadian community.
- Be entering first or second year of a full-time undergraduate degree or diploma program at a qualified Canadian post-secondary institution.
- Be enrolled in a program that can lead to a career in agriculture, education, or health care.
- Demonstrate good academic standing (GPA greater than or equal to 2.7 or 70%) and financial need.
- Demonstrate leadership and volunteerism in school and the community.
The Fogolâr Furlan di Calgary is one of sixteen similar associations in Canada whose founding members originate from the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia in Italy. One of the mandates of our association is the preservation of our language and, as such, we are pleased to offer this scholarship to students of Italian in Canada. Our founding members emigrated from their homeland because they sought opportunity and advancement in a new country. They worked hard for the interests of their families and the pursuit of a post-secondary education was something sought for their children. Therefore, it is only fitting that we would establish a scholarship that would promote education and financially assist students studying Italian.
One award at approximately $1,500, applied directly to tuition.
The applicant must:
- Be an Alberta resident (either a permanent resident or a permanent resident studying full-time at a post-secondary outside the province).
- Be pursuing a major in Italian Studies.
- Be entering fourth year of undergraduate studies.
- Be committed to Italian culture.
- Have achieved a GPA 3.0 or higher in previous year’s studies.
Established by a donor who recognizes the unique challenges that single mothers face, especially the financial strain of a single income household and juggling work, school, childcare costs and motherhood. The donor wishes to help women seeking to fulfill their lives through education by opening up career choices that are satisfying and rewarding while quenching the desire for independence and self-sufficiency. This bursary is intended to support, encourage, and uplift women who experience the unusual demands of being the sole, key figure in their child or children’s lives.
One or more awards valued at a minimum of $2,000, applied directly to tuition.
Applicant must:
- Be a single mother.
- Be attending full or part-time studies at a Calgary post-secondary institution.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Write a short 500 word essay that describes the challenges experienced and how achieving a post-secondary education will help to surmount these challenges.
An award for Canadian students working in visual arts (Applied Arts, Drawing, Multimedia (excluding electronic), Photography, Painting, Print Making or Sculpture).
One award at approximately $1,000, applied directly to tuition.
The applicant must:
- Be a Canadian citizen.
- Be registered in full-time study at a post-secondary institution in Alberta.
- Be entering their final year of studies in visual arts (excluding electronic media).
- Have good academic standing.
The applicant must provide:
- An artist’s statement and vision, including how this award will be helpful in the applicant’s artistic/academic career.
- A maximum of eight electronic images of work with an attachment that details title, year, medium and size of each work.
- Two letters of reference (one must be from a studio professor).
Established in recognition of the 70th anniversary of the Optimist Club of Calgary and long-standing member, William Cummer, for his service and contributions to the Club.
One award at approximately $2,500, applied directly to tuition. Additional awards may be available.
The applicant must be:
- A Canadian citizen or permanent resident and Alberta resident.
- Entering final year of study in first certificate, degree or diploma program.
- Able to demonstrate volunteerism, service to youth, and leadership.
- In need of financial support.
- In good academic standing.
- Preference will be given to students from the Calgary area.
The Phyllis Weston Award was established in memory of Phyllis Weston who taught for 40 years in Calgary Public Schools. Her teaching had a lasting impact on many students.
Click here to learn more about Phyllis Weston.
One award at approximately $1,000, applied directly to tuition.
The applicant must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and an Alberta resident.
- Have attended their final year of high school in Calgary.
- Be a full-time student registered at the University of Alberta, University of Calgary or University of Lethbridge entering their final year of studies in an Education Degree Program with a specialization in English and planning to become a high school English teacher.
- Have good academic standing.
The Calgary Black Chambers Business Scholarships (supported by BMO, KPMG and TD) were established by the Calgary Black Chambers, a non-profit organization, consisting of individuals working to support diversity in and around Calgary, and to foster the growth of Black culture in Calgary. The Calgary Black Chambers serves as mentors and advocates, fostering the growth of great students and future professionals. Its four pillars are: Mentorship, Scholarship, Fellowship and Advocacy.
One Calgary Black Chambers Business Scholarships application is submitted for consideration for the following scholarships:
- BMO Community Leadership Scholarship – One award of $5,000, applied directly to tuition. Emphasis on involvement in community leadership
- KPMG Academic Excellence Scholarship – One award of $5,000, applied directly to tuition. Emphasis on outstanding academic achievement (GPA greater than or equal to 3.7 or 80%)
- TD Business Leadership Scholarship – One award of $7,000, applied directly to tuition. Emphasis on involvement in business leadership
Applicants must:
- Be a Black Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Be attending a Calgary post-secondary institution or have graduated from a Calgary high school and attending a Canadian post-secondary institution.
- Be entering second year or beyond of an undergraduate Commerce or Business Administration degree or diploma program.
- Demonstrate good academic standing (GPA greater than or equal to 2.7 or 70%).
- Demonstrate community and business involvement.
- Provide one letter of reference.
The Calgary Black Chambers Scholarships were established by the Calgary Black Chambers, a non-profit organization, consisting of individuals working to support diversity in and around Calgary, and to foster the growth of Black culture in Calgary. The Calgary Black Chambers serves as mentors and advocates, fostering the growth of great students and future professionals. Its four pillars are: Mentorship, Scholarship, Fellowship and Advocacy.
One award of $1,000, applied directly to tuition.
Applicants must:
- Be a Black Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Be currently enrolled in any year of study in an undergraduate degree or diploma program.
- Be attending a Calgary post-secondary institution or have graduated from a Calgary high school and attending a Canadian post-secondary.
- Demonstrate financial need, good academic standing (GPA greater than or equal to 2.7 or 70%), and present involvement in athletics.
- Provide a brief summary (one-page) of their involvement in sports, some of their achievements and their views on the role of sports in society.
- Provide one reference letter from a current or former coach.
The Calgary Black Chambers Legacy Scholarships were established by the Calgary Black Chambers, a non-profit organization, consisting of individuals working to support diversity in and around Calgary, and to foster the growth of Black culture in Calgary. The Calgary Black Chambers serves as mentors and advocates, fostering the growth of great students and future professionals. Its four pillars are: Mentorship, Scholarship, Fellowship and Advocacy.
One Calgary Black Chambers Legacy Scholarships application is submitted for consideration for the following scholarships:
- Calgary Black Chambers Anderson Ruffin Abbott Academic Achievement Scholarship
- emphasis on outstanding academic achievement (GPA greater than or equal to 3.7 or 80%)
- Calgary Black Chambers John Ware Fellowship Scholarship
- emphasis on community leadership
- Calgary Black Chambers Olivier Le Jeune Advocacy Scholarship
- emphasis on advocacy and social justice
- Calgary Black Chambers Viola Desmond Mentorship Scholarship
- emphasis on mentorship
- Calgary Black Chambers Violet King Legacy Scholarship
- emphasis on personal development
Two awards available for each scholarship listed above, valued at $2,500 each, applied directly to tuition. Of the two awards available for each scholarship, one award is for a Grade 12 student graduating this year and entering the first year of their undergraduate degree or diploma program, and one award is for a student entering second year or beyond of their undergraduate degree or diploma program.
Applicants must:
- Be a Black Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Be enrolled in an undergraduate degree or diploma program.
- Be attending a Calgary post-secondary institution or have graduated from a Calgary high school and attending a Canadian post-secondary institution.
- Demonstrate good academic standing (GPA greater than or equal to 2.7 or 70%).
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Demonstrate school and/or community involvement.
- Provide one reference letter.
The CEEA Energy Industry Award was established by the Canadian Energy Executive Association (CEEA), a not-for-profit organization operating in the Canadian energy industry. Through business and social events, and national engagement programs, CEEA works to bring together leaders, Indigenous stakeholders, policymakers, and academia to discuss important topics affecting the Canadian energy industry and its future. This award was established to enable and encourage some of the brightest students to choose a career in the energy industry.
One award available, valued at $10,000, applied directly to tuition. Renewable for up to two consecutive years of undergraduate study as long as the recipient maintains award eligibility (up to three years of support total).
Applicants must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Be entering second year or beyond in a full-time petroleum-focused undergraduate degree or diploma program at a Canadian post-secondary institution. (E.g., Petroleum Engineering, Petroleum Engineering Technology, Instrumentation Engineering Technology, Geology, Geophysics, etc.). Preference given to students entering their second year of study.
- Demonstrate school and/or community involvement and leadership, and high academic standing (GPA greater than or equal to 3.7 or 80%).
The CEEA Indigenous Award was established by the Canadian Energy Executive Association (CEEA), a not-for-profit organization operating in the Canadian energy industry. Through business and social events, and national engagement programs, CEEA works to bring together leaders, Indigenous stakeholders, policymakers, and academia to discuss important topics affecting the Canadian energy industry and its future. This award was established to enable and encourage First Nations, Métis and Inuit students to choose a career in the energy industry.
One award available, valued at $10,000, applied directly to tuition. Renewable for up to three consecutive years of undergraduate study as long as recipient maintains award eligibility (up to four years of support total).
Applicants must:
- Be a First Nations, Métis, or Inuit student.
- Be entering the first year of a full-time petroleum-focused undergraduate degree or diploma program at a Canadian post-secondary institution. (E.g., Petroleum Engineering, Petroleum Engineering Technology, Instrumentation Engineering Technology, Geology, Geophysics, etc.).
- Demonstrate school and/or community involvement and leadership, and good academic standing (GPA greater than or equal to 2.7 or 70%).
- Demonstrate financial need.
Established to honour the memory of Jeanne Henuset-Fraser, to enable students from a rural background to fulfill their educational dreams at a Canadian post-secondary institution of their choice. Jeanne was raised on a farm in Pipestone Manitoba, the oldest of five siblings. She excelled in school, however, the passing of her mother necessitated Jeanne to quit school at the tender age of 12 to look after her father and her four younger brothers. As she couldn’t fulfill her dreams for higher education, she was always a strong advocate for all her nieces and nephews to attain a higher education. Jeanne hoped that this bursary would enable others to fulfill their dreams.
One or more bursaries, ranging from $500 to $2,500 in value, applied directly to tuition.
The applicant must:
- Identify as a woman.
- Have resided in rural Manitoba (outside of Winnipeg and Brandon).
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Be entering second year of study or beyond at a Canadian post-secondary institution in the upcoming Fall.
- Be pursuing a certificate, diploma or degree that will lead to direct employment in the field of study following graduation from the current certificate, diploma or degree program (e.g. trades, medicine, law, physiotherapy, environmental sciences, nursing, and education).
Established in memory of Kirby Morrow, a prominent voice actor and former Vancouver Acting School instructor, to honour his passion for the industry and to help support other young performers pursue their passions. Kirby had a huge impact on so many lives. He lived to give to others. This Legacy Scholarship is dedicated to helping dreamers like Kirby get quality education in the Performing Arts. By creating a lasting legacy in his name, maybe some day the Scholarship will help another Kirby from some small town realize their dreams.
Two awards valued at $750 each, applied directly to tuition.
The applicant must:
- Be an Alberta or British Columbia resident
- Be enrolled in first year of an undergraduate degree or diploma program at an Alberta or British Columbia post-secondary institution at the date of the scholarship deadline.
- Be studying Theatre, Theatre Arts, Drama, Film, Radio, Television, Animation or Script Writing.
- Submit a video (3 minutes or less) demonstrating their passion for Theatre, Theatre Arts, Drama, Film, Radio, Television, Animation or Script Writing and how this scholarship will help them pursue their dreams.