Process Overview

Gather Information

Write and submit your application

Wait for the results

  • Spring Intake -  applicants are notified of the outcome of their application on or before June 30th via email 
  • Fall Intake - applicants are notified of the outcome of their application on or before December 31st 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

See reporting requirements

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?
Spring Cycle

Application period:  April 15th, 2025 to May 15, 2025
Award may be applied against expenses incurred between May 1, 2025 and April 30, 2026.

Fall Cycle

If funding permits, the CVCF may offer another intake in the Fall with an application period between October 15 and November 15.  Student are encouraged to apply in the Spring Cycle.

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, 2025 and April 30, 2026 (Spring Intake) or January 1, 2026 and December 31, 2026 (Fall Intake)
  • 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, 2026 (spring cycle) or October 31, 2026 (fall cycle)

Where do I apply?

Through the Columbia Valley Community Foundation’s Application Portal

APPLY NOW

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