Scholarship Value $4,000

Number of Scholarships 1

Description Overview

The Robert Lemon Heritage Studies Prize supports emerging heritage conservation students and researchers by funding costs associated with their education and project-based research. The prize aims to stimulate interest in conservation practice and scholarship, encouraging projects that advance heritage theory and practical conservation methods. It is awarded through the Vancouver Heritage Foundation to applicants connected to Vancouver or the Lower Mainland.

Key takeaways

• Supports education and project research in heritage conservation.
• Targets early-career students and emerging professionals.
• Administered by the Vancouver Heritage Foundation.
• Requires a connection to Vancouver or the Lower Mainland.

History of the

Award Origin and purpose

The prize was created in recognition of Robert Lemon’s long-standing support for heritage conservation and the Vancouver Heritage Foundation. It is intended to carry forward his advocacy by investing in the next generation of conservation professionals and enthusiasts. The award emphasizes practical and scholarly work that contributes to heritage preservation in Canada and abroad.

Key takeaways

• Named for Robert Lemon, a supporter of heritage conservation.
• Established to foster the next generation of conservation professionals.
• Focuses on projects with practical or scholarly value to heritage preservation.
• Encourages work that benefits Canada and international conservation practice.

Eligibility Who can apply

Applicants must be full-time post-secondary students enrolled in programs related to heritage conservation and actively working on a research thesis or project tied to conservation. Applicants must demonstrate a connection to Vancouver or the Lower Mainland as part of eligibility. Part-time students, non-enrolled individuals, or projects already completed before award notification are not eligible.

Key takeaways

• Open to full-time post-secondary students in heritage conservation programs.
• Applicant must be working on a qualifying thesis or research project.
• Connection to Vancouver or the Lower Mainland is required.
• Projects must be ongoing at the time of award decision.

Eligible

Activities and

Costs What the prize will fund

The prize covers costs directly related to enrollment or to carrying out a specific thesis or research project in heritage conservation. Eligible expenses include tuition, travel for research (domestic or international), and conferences or workshops that directly support the stated research. All funded activities must be relevant to the approved project and cannot have been completed before the prize is awarded.

Key takeaways

• Funds may be used for tuition tied to the qualifying program.
• Research travel within Canada or abroad is eligible.
• Conferences and workshops directly related to the project can be covered.
• Projects must be active when the award is conferred.

Award

Value and

Use

Restrictions Funding limits and purpose

The prize is intended to cover eligible project- or education-related costs and will not exceed the total eligible expenses submitted in the application. There is no publicly stated fixed award amount in the summary; the funding allocated is limited to documented eligible costs for the proposed activities. Awarded funds must be used as described in the approved proposal and within the restrictions set by the program guidelines.

Key takeaways

• Funding is limited to documented eligible costs.
• The prize cannot exceed the total eligible expenses claimed.
• No fixed lump-sum amount is specified in the summary; check guidelines for details.
• Funds must be spent according to the approved proposal and program rules.

Application

Requirements Required documentation

Applicants must submit a current CV with contact details, a concise proposal (maximum 3,000 characters) describing intended fund use and the research, and an impact statement (maximum 3,000 characters) that explains the benefit of receiving the prize. Two letters of recommendation are required, at least one from an academic source related to the qualifying program, along with proof of enrollment in a qualifying program. Additional supporting documentation and formatting requirements are specified in the program guidelines.

Key takeaways

• Submit CV, proposal (≤3,000 characters), and impact statement (≤3,000 characters).
• Provide two recommendation letters; one must be academic.
• Include proof of enrollment in a qualifying program.
• Follow any additional documentation and format rules in the program guidelines.

Assessment and

Selection

Process How applications are evaluated

Applications are assessed for alignment with the prize’s goals and eligibility rules, the originality and contemporary relevance of the research (for example, adaptive reuse, sustainability, community-driven projects), demonstrated financial need, and relevance to Vancouver or surrounding areas. Preference is given to applicants who have not previously received the award. The Robert Lemon Heritage Studies Prize Committee reserves the right not to award in any year if no submission meets the criteria; all committee decisions are final.

Key takeaways

• Evaluation criteria: alignment, originality/relevance, financial need, and local relevance.
• Projects tied to modern heritage practices are prioritized.
• First-time recipients are given preference.
• The committee may withhold the award and its decisions are final.

Application

Timeline and

How to

Apply Intake and next steps

The 2026/2027 intake is currently open. Exact deadlines, submission methods, and any additional procedural instructions are provided in the Heritage Study Prize Guidelines 2026; applicants should consult that document for full prize details and required supporting documentation. Prepare materials early, confirm formatting and submission requirements in the guidelines, and submit before the stated deadline.

Key takeaways

• 2026/2027 intake is open now.
• Consult the Heritage Study Prize Guidelines 2026 for deadlines and submission instructions.
• Verify document formats and character limits before submission.
• Start early to secure recommendation letters and proof of enrollment.