Establishing a Bursary or Scholarship

Memorial Awards

This is a particularly thoughtful gesture in memory of a loved one. Perhaps in lieu of flowers, friends and family may like to make a donation to a memorial fund. (Income tax receipts are also issued for donations to established memorial funds.)

How Does a Scholarship Differ from a Bursary?

A Scholarship is awarded to a student based on academic excellence. A Bursary also considers the financial need of the student.

Why are Scholarships and Bursaries Important?

Scholarships and bursaries assist students with the financial cost of attending post-secondary institutions such as university, college and technical school. The cost for a full year of post secondary education is approximately $5000 for tuition and books at UCFV. It can be as much as $15,000 for tuition and housing at a college or university outside of our community. Students truly appreciate the opportunity to apply for scholarships and bursaries to assist them in reaching their future goals!

Selection Criteria is Established by Donor

As a donor you have the ability to determine the criteria that will be used to select the award winner. We will help you establish the criteria if you wish. The following are some choices that have been made for existing awards:

  • strong motivation to pursue post-secondary education;
  • average academic achievement, with a committed desire to succeed;
  • financial need will be particularly important where candidates are equally qualified in other criteria;
  • plan to continue studies at a technical/ trades school or in an apprenticeship program;
  • excel in Law, Business, Arts or? Studies;
  • planning to enter a specific profession e.g. Hospital award - medical field.

Who Selects the Recipient?

The donor may make the selection or have a school committee make the decision. The school committee will use the donor's criteria.

What Do I Have To Do?

It is not difficult. If you would like to discuss setting up an award, call Chilliwack School District Office at 604.792.1321, Chilliwack Secondary School at 604.795.7295, Sardis Secondary School at 604.858.9424, or GW Graham Middle Secondary at 604.849.0772. Advise the receptionist that you want to discuss scholarships and bursaries. You will be put in touch with the appropriate person.

How Much Money Do I Need?

We have awards that range from $100 to $1,000 and more.

Is My Contribution Tax Deductable?

You will receive a charitable donation receipt for donations of more that $25.

Can I Make a One-Time Award?

Yes, you may offer an award for any amount and number of times that you wish.

Can I Establish a Perpetual Scholarship / Bursary?

Lump sum monies may be deposited, with a request that annual interest revenues only be awarded, protecting the principal amount forever.

Award Presentation

You are invited to make a presentation of a letter of congratulations or a certificate to the recipient at Commencement ceremonies in June. Should you prefer, you may name someone else to do this or we can ask a staff person if you aren?t able to attend.

How Does the "Pay Out" Work?

If you prefer to pay the money into our Trust Accounts, we will make the payment to the student once proof of registration (in the form of receipts for tuition, etc.) is shown.

Should you wish to make the payment directly, you would advise the student in the letter presented at commencement.

Some Information Needed to Establish an Award

  1. Name of Scholarship/Bursary
  2. Description
    • value
    • designation
    • number of times awarded: e.g. one-time, perpetual, alternating between schools, etc.
  3. Criteria
    • samples noted on inside of brochure
  4. Selection of Candidates
    • do you want the school committee to select, based on criteria or do you (or your organization) wish to do this?
  5. Presentation
    • a representative of your club, organization or family?
  6. Payment of the Award
    • Trust funds paid by School Board office
      OR
    • Individual clubs or donors.