Process Overview
Gather information
- What awards are available?
- What are the key dates?
- Am I eligible?
- What info do I need to apply?
- Check out our Resources and Tips
Write and submit your application
- All applications must be submitted via the Columbia Valley Community Foundation’s application portal
- Upload your reference letter as part of your online application
Wait for the results
- Spring Intake - Applicants are notified of the outcome of their application on or before June 30th via email
- The Foundation’s student awards are adjudicated by a grants committee comprised of Foundation Board members and community participants
Provide the required documents
Eligibility
- To fulfill donor wishes, applicants must have resided and attended school in the Columbia Valley for a minimum of 3 years. Applicants must be between 17-35 years of age on January 1 of the year of application.
- Applicants are eligible to obtain a maximum of 2 student awards (does not have to be in subsequent years).
- Approval of repeat applicants is dependent on funds available at the time of granting; preference may be given to first time applicants.
- Internships are eligible if the applicant is registered as a student through a post-secondary institution and schooling costs are incurred.
- Some awards give preference to students who demonstrate financial need.
What are the key dates?
Application period: April 15th, 2026 to May 15, 2026
Award may be applied against expenses incurred between May 1, 2026 and April 30, 2027.
What Info Do I Need To Apply?
- Details of residency in the Columbia Valley, schooling and extracurricular activities
- Details of planned post-secondary education
- Projected financial resources and expenses
- One (1) reference letter from a character or professional reference (ie. employer, teacher, coach, volunteer leader). Letters from relatives are inadmissible. The DTSS Referee Checklist is an accepted alternative to a reference letter.
- Two (2) images of present work (for Alan J. Witherspoon applicants only)
What are the reporting requirements?
Students must provide the following to receive payment of their awards:
- Return a completed copy of the Foundation’s Student Award agreement
- Verification of enrolment (this is obtained from your educational institution)
- Proof of paid tuition – receipts or statement from your educational institution confirming tuition payments for learning activities occurring between May 1, 2026 and April 30, 2027
- Copy of void cheque/ direct deposit instructions (this can often be downloaded from your online banking portal)
- In addition, students must submit a letter of impact outlining the impact of receiving a CVCF Student Award on their academic career. This letter is due on January 31 of the year following the grant.
Resources and Tips
- Please ask your reference to refer to you by your initials only.
Reference letters should address the following questions:
- Does the applicant’s educational plan have value and merit for the candidate, community and/or society-at-large?
- Comment on the candidate’s character, leadership and ability to work cooperatively with others.
- Comment on the candidate’s community connections and participation in extra-curricular activities.
- Is there anything else we should know about this candidate that is important information for our student awards adjudication committee?
- Comments on the individual’s strengths and/or career goals will assist the Committee in its evaluation process.
https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/pay-down-student-debt.html
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/post-secondary-education/data-research/cost-of-post-secondary-education
