Calgary Foundation · Regional
Clay Riddell Community Hero Scholarship
About this award
Get between $8,500 and $10,000 for your first year of college or university if you've volunteered with a Rogers Birdies for Kids charity — apply by June 30, 2026.
You can receive either $8,500 for a diploma program or $10,000 for a degree program. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are a young leader who spends your time volunteering for charities that participate in the Rogers Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink program. You must apply by June 30, 2026. When you apply, ask Calgary Foundation how and when you'll hear back — whether it is by email, phone, or through their portal. Calgary Foundation selects up to three awards each year based on your leadership, integrity, and generosity. Selection criteria aren't published in detail, so ask them how they score the applications to judge your odds. The money is applied directly to your tuition. Confirm with Calgary Foundation if the funds go straight to your school's financial office or if there is another process. Renewal conditions aren't listed. Since this is for your first year of study, confirm with Calgary Foundation whether it is a one-time payment or if you can apply again in future years.
Can you get it?
- Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident — citizenship requirement
- Diploma, Degree — study level
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.
Request your official transcript1–2 weeks
Order through your school registrar — allow 1–2 weeks.
Collect reference letters2 weeks
Give your referees at least two weeks' notice and share your résumé.
Submit by Jun 30, 2026~1 hour
Double-check every field, save a copy, and submit at least 24 hours early.
More details
The biggest mistake is listing general volunteer hours.
Winners instead focus on specific moments where they showed leadership, integrity, and generosity while working with their Rogers Birdies for Kids charity.
Describe a time you took charge of a project or helped someone in a way that shows your character.
Many students provide a generic teacher reference.
Winners get a strong letter from a representative of the specific 2026 Rogers Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink participating charity where they volunteered.
Ensure your referee mentions your specific contributions to that charity.