We aim to make the program as accessible as possible and to provide financial support to all participants who need assistance. If you determine that you need financial assistance for the program fees, we suggest you explore the following three options:
1. Fundraise within your community
When you are accepted to the program, you will receive a fundraising package that provides you with information about the program and materials to help you approach potential funders. Since Redfish School of Change will empower you to
take a leadership role in your community, consider making a proposal
to a local business, organization or government, inviting them to support
you financially in the program, with a commitment to bring your learning, and a project,
back to the community. Contact us to discuss ideas. These may include family, friends, community organizations, and other sources of financial aid. Explore options in the dropdown menu below.
Sources of financial aid
Your Community: Since Redfish School of Change will empower you to take a leadership role in your community, consider making a proposal to a local business, organization or government, inviting them to support you financially in the program, with a commitment to bring your learning, and a project, back to the community. Groups you organize your CAP with may have ideas, or contact us to discuss ideas.
Brower Youth Awards: Earth Island Institute established the Brower Youth Awards to honor founder and legendary activist David R. Brower. Six young people in North America are recognized annually for their outstanding activism and achievements in the fields of environmental and environmental justice advocacy. Visit www.broweryouthawards.org
The Irving K. Barber British Columbia Scholarship Society: In partnership with the Victoria Foundation, the Irving K. Barber British Columbia Scholarship Society provides scholarships to students attending public post-secondary institutions both throughout the province of British Columbia and internationally. Visit www.bcscholarship.ca/web/scholarships
Coast Capital Savings Education Awards: Standing Tall Awards and
Citizenship Awards go to individuals who have demonstrated significant
personal growth or community leadership. Forty-eight awards are available. Visit
www.coastcapitalsavings.com/About_Coast_Capital_Savings/Helping_Communities/Funding_Programs/Education_Awards/
Laidlaw Foundation: The Laidlaw Foundation supports young people directly to organize projects and initiatives that address issues that concern and inspire them. Visit laidlawfdn.org/youth-organizing-program
Alberta Environment: Various grant opportunities are listed at Alberta Environment's website, including the Youth Environmental Stewardship grants. Visit environment.alberta.ca/1273.html
Youth Philanthropy in Canada: The Youth Advisory Committees across Canada may be able to assist you in finding grant opportunities at the community level. See www.yipcanada.org/finder_e.cfm
StudentAid BC: StudentAid BC helps students with the costs of post-secondary education through loans, grants, bursaries, scholarships and special programs. See www.aved.gov.bc.ca/studentaidbc/
StudentAwards.com: This free award-matching service may help you find scholarships, grants and cash awards. See www.studentawards.com
Toyota Earth Day Scholarship Program: Toyota Canada Inc. and Earth Day Canada established the Toyota Earth Day Scholarship Program to help cultivate and nurture environmental leadership in young people. The program grants 15 awards of $5000 each annually. See www.earthday.ca/scholarship/about.php
Canada’s Top Teen Philanthropist Contest: Sponsored by Mackenzie Investments, this contest rewards youth for their time and efforts toward charitable causes. The winner receives $5000 to donate to a charity (which can be allocated to Redfish School of Change program fees) and $500–$1000 for him or herself. See www.mackenziefinancial.com/en/pub/products/charitable/cttp/index.shtml.
GoFundMe is a way for you to fundraise online. This service allows users to create an online donation page, share it with friends and family through Facebook, Twitter and email, and begin collecting money online. You can solicit your own network to raise funds to take Redfish and for your Community Action Project. Check out www.gofundme.com.
2. Apply for financial aid at your university
Explore the scholarships and bursaries that your post-secondary institution has available. Because post-program assignments and follow up occur several weeks after the field portion is complete, Redfish is technically considered a full-summer term course, which can increase eligibility for school aid.
3. Redfish School of Change student support
Thanks to the generous support of sponsors, we are able to offer student support. When you apply for the program, you can apply for a student bursary of $1000–$3000 to directly offset your program fee. Your student bursary form must be submitted with your application. Applications are accepted until February 20, 2013. Bursaries of $1000–$3000 may be available to qualified participants who need financial aid. (View drop-down text below.)
Apply for student support
To apply for student support, submit a Redfish School of Change student bursary form and letter of recommendation along with your application.
Download the student bursary form as a pdf.
Download the student bursary form as a Word document.
The Redfish School of Change makes these student bursaries available thanks to the generous support of sponsors.
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We are always happy to discuss other ideas for fundraising, just contact us!