Building Brighter Futures: Bursaries and Scholarships
Indspire’s Building Brighter Futures: Bursaries and Scholarships (BBF) program opens doors through education.
Since 1996, Indspire has provided over $217 million in financial support through more than 66,000 bursaries, scholarships and awards to First Nations, Inuit and Métis students. All Building Brighter Futures donations are matched by the Government of Canada allowing us to be double the impact for students. For a complete listing of Building Brighter Futures supports, please visit indspirefunding.ca.
How BBF is Supporting Students
Our Program is Growing
Our program has more than doubled in the last six years! This year, over 6,000 applications were processed – the highest number of applications ever received!
This year we were able to provide more money for individual First Nation, Inuit and Métis students
On average, the award amount for 2019-2020 recipients was over $800 higher than last year. This means more money goes to individual First Nation, Inuit and Métis students to help with their education.
Our team continues to work to improve our program, reduce wait times and fund as many students as possible
We have upgraded our student information database to ensure we can quickly match students with awards and make it easier for students to submit applications.
Our focus remains on YOU!
Building Brighter Futures’ funding model is unlike any other in the country, wherever possible funds are awarded to a student to use as they wish – tuition, childcare, food, cultural support, shelter, travel, etc.
Bursaries and Scholarships for Post-Secondary Education
Post-Secondary Education Programs
Full and part time studies in college, university, skilled trades, apprenticeships, and technology programs.
There is one application for all of Indspire’s bursaries and scholarships (with a few exceptions that you’ll see below). You only need to complete the application once to be considered for all applicable bursaries and scholarships. September 2024 to August 2025 academic year.
Deadlines: August 1, November 1, February 1 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
The Building Brighter Futures: Bursaries and Scholarships program is made possible thanks to generous supporters and federal and provincial governments. While we work to increase the amount of funding available each year, due to the growth in the number of applications, we’re not able to fund every student that applies.
Roberta Jamieson Emergency Fund for Indigenous Students
Indspire recognizes Indigenous post-secondary students may experience extreme hardships throughout their academic career. To assist eligible students, Indspire has established the Roberta Jamieson Emergency Fund for Indigenous Students seeking emergency bursaries for short-term relief.
If you are:
- Currently being funded through Indspire’s Building Brighter Futures: Bursaries, Scholarships and Awards program OR have completed an application prior to requesting this emergency bursary;
- Requesting emergency funding: emergency situations include house fire, displacement, need to travel home for family emergencies or death, illness that requires immediate medical treatments for themselves or dependents, injury, theft or natural disaster;
- Enrolled in program that is 4 weeks or more in length;
- Going to a post-secondary school that is accredited or recognized by a provincial ministry or the federal government in Canada or pursuing graduate studies outside of Canada; and
- A member of a recognized Canadian First Nations, Inuit, or Métis band and/or community;
If you find yourself in the emergency situation outlined in the guidelines above, please contact Miranda Curley for more information at education@indspire.ca.
Bursaries and Scholarships with unique deadlines
None available at this time, check back soon!
Post-Secondary Education – Skilled Trades
Post-Secondary Education Programs: part-time or full-time certificate or diploma programs (1 month to 4 year programs)
Deadlines: August 1, November 1, February 1 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
The Building Brighter Futures: Bursaries and Scholarships program is made possible thanks to generous supporters and federal and provincial governments. While we work to increase the amount of funding available each year, due to the growth in the number of applications, we’re not able to fund every student that applies.
Student Success Stories
Indspire’s Building Brighter Futures program is helping them realize their educational dreams. Hear from students, in their own words, how Indspire’s Building Brighter Futures program is helping them through their educational journey.
Questions?
We can help!
For more information or if you have any questions, please visit our FAQ page, or email education@indspire.ca or call 1-855-INDSPIRE (463-7747) x0223 (bilingual support x039).
BBF Program Policy
If you would like to review our Program Policy, you can access the document below.
Building Brighter Futures Sponsors
$5 Million +
$2 Million – $4,999,999
Joyce Family Foundation
$1 Million – $1,999,999
$500,000 – $999,999
Feiga Bresver Academic Fund
James Kennedy and June Pick
David and Susan Rattee
$250,000 – $499,999
Hilary Pearson Award
$100,000 – $249,999
The Gordon and Ruth Gooder Charitable Foundation
Leslie Helson
Pat Hogan Endowment
Pat Kealey
Kornhauser Family
Peter Lukasiewicz
Rob and Shirley Metka
Moore Ching Fund
Herma Neyndorff
Ralph M. Barford Foundation
Daniela Tiger
Turkstra Foundation
Unit E Investments
Kirsten Yip
$25,000 – $99,999
Margaret Atwood
Averbach Family Foundation
Michel and Doreen Bell
Mel Benson
Paul and Cathy Binhammer
Steve Bornemann
The Boyd-Myles Foundation
Manuel and Cheryl Buchwald
The Caswell Family
Cassoulet Palace Inc.
Church of St. Clement
College of Fellows
Margaret Davies
Susan Diamond
Rob Dowler and Lisanne Hill
The Driving Force Group
Penny and Bill Eakin
The Fuller Family Foundation
Friends of Scott MacCaie Rogers
Julie George
Yvette & Ken Graham
Judith Hamilton
Indigenous Women Leadership Scholarship
Roberta Jamieson
The Jeffrey Lyon Trust
J.P. Bickell Foundation
John and Catherine Kelly
Len Flett Bursary
Lynn Haley Foundation
Naomi McCormack
Michael McKiernan
Yvonne Mercer
Muskoka Community Foundation
Fran Odette
Jody & Ken Peck
Shannon Pestun
Bernard & Carol Roitberg
Dr. Eduard Schludermann
Seger Family Foundation
Shakerhill Foundation Inc.
Small Goslings Family
Joan Willingham
James Yan
Zurich Canadian holdings