Why should I support Indigenous Education?
At Indspire, we believe that Indigenous education is Canada’s future, and we invite you to help us build this future together. According to the Canadian Policy Research Networks, there are many reasons to support Indigenous Education, such as:
Education is by far the most important determinant of labour market outcomes and plays a pre-eminent role in improving social outcomes.
As a result, if businesses are to thrive in the environment of limited labour supply that is currently developing in Canada, the integration of Indigenous people into the labour force will have to be accelerated. If these individuals do not possess the necessary skills, businesses will suffer.
If the education attainment gap was closed between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities by 2026, we would:
- Increase tax revenue by $3.5 billion
- Increase Canada’s GDP by more than $400 billion
- Decrease government spending by $77 billion
Did you know?
- The Centre for the Study of Living Standards estimates that greater achievement in higher education for Indigenous peoples would increase their annual income by $11,236 by 2031.
- 69% Indigenous and 87% non-Indigenous people completed high school or higher. 64% of First Nations people and 45% of Inuit hold at least a high school credential.
- 44% Indigenous and 63% non-Indigenous people have attained a post-secondary credential.
- 4 out of 10 Indigenous youth living on-reserve graduate from grade 12 compared to 9 out of 10 for non-Indigenous youth.
Don’t all Indigenous people get all their education paid for by the government?
No. This is not true. Although there are some First Nations communities that may cover some of the costs of their members to attend post secondary education, this is not true for many.
Given that 50% of the Indigenous people in Canada are under the age of 24, the demand for financial aid for students far outstrips the need for post-secondary education funding.
Education funding is set up by Indigenous Services Canada and disbursed individually by each First Nation or Inuit community. Competition for these funds is high, and funds are often tied to several restrictions or run out before all the need is met. Funding is particularly scarce for Indigenous Graduate and PhD students.
Although there may be specific scholarships or bursaries earmarked for Métis students, they do not have any source of ongoing funding in Canada. Furthermore, the funds that the government provides have been capped for 20 years while during the same period, the Indigenous population in Canada has grown nearly six times faster than the non-Indigenous population and the costs related to post-secondary education have increased dramatically.
Which communities benefit from Indspire’s work?
As a national organization, we are truly committed to all of Canada’s Indigenous peoples. Our programs are delivered from coast-to-coast-to-coast.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes. Indspire is a nationally registered charity, so we provide our donors with official charitable tax receipts to use for their tax returns. Indspire will automatically produce a charitable tax receipt for all donations of $20 or more. Receipts for donations of less than $20 are only made upon request.
For inquiries relating to tax receipting, please call us toll-free at 1-855-INDSPIRE (463-7747) x0250.
Why should I become a monthly donor?
Becoming a monthly donor is one of the most effective ways to show your support and commitment to Canada’s Indigenous youth. Even a small sum, for instance as little as $20 a month, does make a difference by demonstrating to young students that their academic success is important to all of us.
Making a regular monthly donation enables Indspire to plan confidently and budget more effectively for ongoing programs that directly support Indigenous youth in achieving their full potential – allowing us to make the best possible use of your ongoing gift.
How do I become a monthly donor?
Monthly giving is very easy and convenient! You can specify the amount you wish to give each month and securely provide the details of the credit card or bank account that your donation will be deducted from. You will be sent a receipt for tax purposes at the end of each financial year. Become a monthly donor now.
Your monthly donation is secure and can be changed, paused or cancelled at any time by calling 1-855-INDSPIRE (463-7747) x264 or emailing donate@indspire.ca.
You may also download Indspire’s pledge form and mail it to:
Indspire
555 Richmond Street West, Suite 601
Toronto, Ontario
M5V 3B1
Or securely fax your pledge form to (416) 977-1764.
Can I donate in memory or in honour of someone?
Indspire is pleased to accept donations in any amount in honour of an individual, school, corporation, or group of individuals. Indspire’s In Memoriam program offers a unique and meaningful way for you, to express sympathy to a grieving friend, family member, or client with a meaningful gift that will directly benefit Indigenous students across Canada. Give in memory of a loved one.
Will the person know I made this gift in memory of their loved one?
Your friend, family member, or client will receive a letter from Indspire that a gift has been made in memory of their loved one and will be used to support Indspire’s various programs.
How do I establish a named or in memoriam scholarship with Indspire?
Indspire welcomes In Memoriam or named scholarships to support Indigenous students. We would be pleased to discuss the various options available for you within Indspire’s Policy on Benefactor Naming. For further information contact Kate Espina, Director, Major Gifts at kespina@indspire.ca.
How do I make a corporate donation to Indspire?
All corporate donations will get a tax receipt for the full amount. Donations can be made in a variety of ways:
By phone: 1-855-INDSPIRE (463-7747) x0262
Online: indspire.ca/donate
By mail:
Indspire
555 Richmond Street West, Suite 601
Toronto, Ontario
M5V 3B1
Email: dlach@indspire.ca
To discuss corporate sponsorship opportunities please contact Denise Lach, Director, Partnerships at dlach@indspire.ca.
How do I change or update my information?
Please call 1-855-INDSPIRE (463-7747) x264 or donate@indspire.ca to update or change your information.
How can I become more involved with the work of Indspire?
There are many ways to get involved in the work that we do. The list is truly endless:
- Volunteer at one of our events or in our offices.
- Host an event, an event is a great way to raise funds, and awareness too!
- Become a monthly donor.
- Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Please call 1-855-INDSPIRE (463-7747) x264. We would be happy to discuss opportunities for you to get involved with our work.
I am a former Indspire scholarship recipient. How can I give back?
As an Indspire alumnus you understand first-hand the challenges that most Indigenous students face. As a former scholarship recipient, you know the impact of the funds you received.
There are many ways for you to get involved, such as:
- Mentor an Indigenous student—share your expertise and wisdom!
- Volunteer at one of our events or in our offices.
- Host an event, an event is a great way to raise funds, and awareness too!
- Become a monthly donor.
- Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
