Scholarship Value $3,000

Number of Scholarships 15

Description The CUFBC (Credit Union Foundation of British Columbia) is a bursary program that helps British Columbia students access and complete post‑secondary education. It focuses on strengthening social, economic, and environmental outcomes by supporting learners who demonstrate a community-first mindset and a commitment to cooperative values. The program prioritizes applicants who face financial or other barriers and who plan to use their education to contribute to community well‑being. CUFBC funding complements institutional supports and encourages civic-minded, values-driven career paths. - **Purpose:** Provide bursary support to students with demonstrated need and community orientation. - **Focus:** Community impact and cooperative values over academic merit alone. - **Outcome:** Enable recipients to complete education and contribute to community well‑being. Who we serve CUFBC targets students whose circumstances make post‑secondary access or completion difficult. Priority groups include those experiencing financial hardship, single parents and caregivers, people living with disabilities, individuals with mental or physical health challenges, and students pursuing social‑impact careers. The foundation also seeks applicants who actively demonstrate cooperative values and community involvement. This focus ensures funds reach learners who will use their education to improve community outcomes. - **Primary groups:** Students with financial barriers and those facing additional life challenges. - **Values alignment:** Applicants should demonstrate commitment to cooperative principles and community service. - **Career orientation:** Preference for students pursuing values‑driven or social‑impact pathways. Eligibility Applicants must meet a set of specific criteria to be considered for a CUFBC bursary. Required elements include demonstrated financial need, proof of current enrolment and tuition payment, and submission of transcripts. Applicants must provide a recent letter of reference from a credit union, coach, or another individual attesting to community involvement and shared credit union values. Candidates must be BC residents and Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons, and must be attending a public Canadian post‑secondary program at the time of application. - **Financial need:** Demonstrated financial need is mandatory. - **Documentation:** Enrolment proof, tuition payment evidence, and transcripts required. - **Reference:** Recent letter referencing community involvement and credit union values. - **Residency/status:** BC resident and Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person. - **Active enrolment:** Must be enrolled at a public Canadian post‑secondary school when applying. Award value and tax reporting CUFBC awards are discretionary; the foundation does not publish fixed award amounts in the application materials. Recipients may receive up to two awards in a single year depending on eligibility and funding availability. Bursary payments are considered taxable income for recipients and, as required by the Canada Revenue Agency, a T4A statement will be issued the following spring for tax reporting purposes. Recipients are responsible for notifying CUFBC of any address changes to ensure tax documents and communications are received. - **Amount structure:** Award amounts vary and are determined by the foundation. - **Multiple awards:** Eligible recipients may receive up to two awards per year. - **Tax reporting:** A T4A will be issued for income tax purposes the following spring. - **Recipient responsibility:** Notify CUFBC of address changes for tax document delivery. Award process Applications are assessed by an awards committee that evaluates each submission against several criteria. Review factors include financial need, presence of additional barriers, alignment with cooperative values, and overall application strength. Successful applicants will be notified of the timing for funding disbursement; payments are made via e‑transfer. The selection process is competitive and aims to distribute funds to applicants who best match the foundation’s mission and priorities. - **Review body:** Awards committee performs application assessments. - **Evaluation criteria:** Financial need, additional barriers, cooperative values, application quality. - **Notification & payment:** Recipients informed of timing; funds sent by e‑transfer. - **Competitiveness:** Awards allocated to applicants who best align with program goals. Application timeline and how to apply CUFBC accepts applications only during two defined application periods each year; outside submissions are not considered. A link to the online application form will be posted on the foundation’s website when an intake is open. Applicants should review the bursary Terms & Conditions before starting, prepare required documentation in advance, and submit within the published window. Missing the application window or failing to provide required documents will render an application ineligible. - **Application windows:** Only two application periods per year; apply within posted dates. - **Where to apply:** Online application link posted on CUFBC’s website during intake. - **Preparation:** Review Terms & Conditions and gather required documents beforehand. - **Strict deadlines:** Late or out‑of‑window submissions are not considered. History of the award The CUFBC was founded in 1958 by British Columbia credit unions to expand access to post‑secondary education and support services for credit union members. Since its founding, the program has maintained a commitment to cooperation, social responsibility, and community resilience. Over time the bursary has evolved to place greater emphasis on supporting students who face additional barriers and who pursue careers or activities that generate positive community impact. The award continues to reflect the cooperative movement’s values and the founders’ intent to invest in community development through education. - **Founding year:** Established in 1958 by BC credit unions. - **Original purpose:** Increase access to post‑secondary education and supports. - **Evolving focus:** Greater emphasis on applicants facing barriers and community impact. - **Values legacy:** Rooted in cooperation, social responsibility, and community development.