The Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen offers bursaries to both graduating and returning students (Including adult students) in the South Okanagan Similkameen.
Eligible applicants must:
- have graduated from high school in the Regional District of the Okanagan Similkameen within the last five years; OR
- have been a resident of the South Okanagan Similkameen region for at least the last five years.
For inquiries about the bursary program, please contact Kevin Ronaghan at grants@cfso.net.
When to Apply
Applications will be accepted from April 1 through May 31, 2023. Please see the following table for the complete 2023 bursary program timeline:
| April 1, 2023 | May 31, 2023 | June 1st – 30th, 2023 | June 30th, 2023 | Starting July 2023 |
| Bursary cycle opens | Bursary cycle closes. All applications must be received by 5pm. | Applications are reviewed and recommendations are made. | All applicants are notified and award forms are sent out. | Awards are sent to institutions and/or paid out to students. |
Application Process
PLEASE NOTE: We use a online application system. If you do not have access to a computer or unable to apply online, please contact us at 250-493-9311.
To begin your application: click on the “Apply Now” button below. You will be redirected to the online application system where you will be asked to create an account with a login name and password.
If you have applied to our bursary program in a previous year, please log in with your existing username and password. If you don’t remember your existing login information, please click the “Forgot Password” link.
Once you have created your account, you can start your application by clicking on the “Application – 2023 CFSOS Bursary” link.
You can access your application at anytime prior to final submission by logging in with your username and password.
Available Bursaries
In 2023, the following endowment funds will offer bursary awards:
- Sharon Amos Legacy Fund for the Arts
- Dr. John & Kathy Scarfo Bursary Fund
- Thea Haubrich Legacy Fund
- South Okanagan Indigenous Education Fund
- Culver Family Bursary Fund
- Lynn & Brian Jackson Endowment for Fine Arts
- Irene & Charles Armstrong Bursary Fund
- L&R Supplementary Bursary Fund
- Eva & Herbert Rosinger Scholarship Fund
- Alanna Matthew Fund
- Kaleden Bursary Fund (please see instructions below to apply for this fund)
Eligibility criteria for each of these funds are found by clicking on the fund name below. Please carefully review the criteria before starting your application. Applicants are welcome to apply for multiple bursaries, provided they meet the criteria of each bursary they apply for.
Sharon Amos Legacy Fund for the Arts
How to qualify:
- Pursuing education in the Fine Arts, preferably performing arts
- Preference given to those with financial need
- Open to youth and adult students
Award amounts:
This fund will typically offer three $500 awards.
Dr. John & Kathy Scarfo Bursary Fund
How to qualify:
- Pursuing any form of education to improve their lives and better support their families
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Open to youth and adult students
- Must live an active & healthy lifestyle (no smoking/no drugs)
Award amounts:
This fund typically will offer about ten $3,000 awards.
Thea Haubrich Legacy Fund
How to qualify:
- Pursuing education in art and artistic training.
- Preference given to those with financial need
- Open to youth and adult students
Award amounts:
This fund will typically offer one or two awards from $250 to $500 each.
South Okanagan Indigenous Education Fund
How to qualify:
- Student self-identifies as Indigenous
- Pursuing post-secondary education to improve their lives and better support their families
- Preference given to those with financial need
- Open to youth and adult students
Award amounts:
This fund will typically offer two or three $700 awards.
Culver Family Bursary Fund
How to qualify:
- Preference given to students entering at least the second year of an undergraduate degree program, or entering a graduate program in modern languages or linguistics, classic languages and native languages
- Second preference given to students at least the second year of an undergraduate degree program, or entering a graduate program in Humanities which may include, philosophy, anthropology or sociology.
Award amount:
This fund will offer one $1,400 award.
Lynn & Brian Jackson Endowment for Fine Arts
How to qualify:
- Must be pursuing post-secondary education in a fine arts program at a university, college or trade school with recognized degrees or certificates.
Award amount:
This fund will offer one $500 award.
Irene & Charles Armstrong Bursary Fund
How to qualify:
- Pursuing any form of education to improve their lives and better support their families
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Open to youth and adult students
- Open to students who have a permanent mental health impairment recognized by the appropriate ministry of the Province of British Columbia
Award amount:
This fund will offer one $1,000 award.
L&R Supplementary Bursary Fund
How to qualify:
- Pursuing any form of education to upgrade employment qualification (i.e. trades programs)
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Preference given to single parents
Award amount:
This fund will offer one $800 award.
Eva & Herbert Rosinger Scholarship Fund
How to qualify:
- Must be entering into or continuing studies in engineering or physical sciences (chemistry, physics, astronomy, and biology)
- Demonstrated financial need
- The character of the individual, as determined by the Grants Committee
- Demonstrate commitment to complete schooling
Award amounts:
This fund will offer one or two awards totalling $3,530.
Alana Matthew Fund
How to qualify:
- A person wishing to advance their education in the arts (including writing, dance, performing arts and visual arts)
- Demonstrated financial need
Award amount:
This fund will offer one award for $240.00
Kaleden Bursary Fund
How to qualify:
- Must live or have lived in the Kaleden area (including Twin Lakes/White Lake Road and St. Andrews by the Lake) and have attended Kaleden Elementary School. Mailing address must be in the Kaleden area (V0H 1K0)
- NOTE: You must apply for this bursary directly to the Kaleden Bursary Committee. Please click here to download the application instructions.
