Calgary Foundation · Regional
Bill Gibson Bursary
About this award
Get $7,500 for your first year of university in Calgary—renewable for up to three more years—if you are a graduating Grade 12 student from CBE or CCSD.
You can receive one award valued at $7,500. This is a bursary, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. It is renewable for up to three consecutive years of study, meaning you could get up to four years of support total. This is for you if you are a local leader who spends your time volunteering in the Calgary community and needs financial help to afford university. Apply by May 15, 2026. Selection criteria aren't published — ask Calgary Foundation how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. You will need to ask them how and when you'll hear back — whether by email, portal, or phone. Selection criteria aren't published — ask Calgary Foundation how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. The money is applied directly to your tuition. Confirm with Calgary Foundation if there are any other specific payment steps you need to take. To keep this award for multiple years, you must maintain a full-time course load as defined by your school and achieve good academic standing with a cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 2.7 or 70%.
Can you get it?
- Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident — citizenship requirement
- Resident of AB — provincial eligibility
How to apply
Review eligibility and gather your documents~1 hour
Read the official award page end-to-end. Confirm you meet every requirement before you start.
Collect reference letters2 weeks
Give your referees at least two weeks' notice and share your résumé.
Submit by May 15, 2026~1 hour
Double-check every field, save a copy, and submit at least 24 hours early.
More details
The biggest mistake is listing a long list of clubs without explaining your impact.
Winners instead describe exactly how their volunteering helped others.
Give a specific example of a project you led in Calgary.
The biggest mistake is choosing a teacher who barely knows you.
Winners instead pick a mentor or supervisor who can prove your leadership skills.
Ask someone who has seen you volunteer in action to write your letter.