Calgary Foundation · Regional
Grace & Good Fortune Bursary for Single Mothers
About this award
Get at least $2,000 for your tuition if you are a single mother studying at a Calgary college or university — apply by June 15, 2026.
You can receive one or more awards valued at a minimum of $2,000. As a bursary, this money is yours to keep and you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are a single mother managing the financial and emotional demands of raising children on a single income while pursuing your education. You must apply by June 15, 2026. When you apply, ask how and when you'll hear back — whether it is by email, phone, or through the application portal. 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 tuition rather than sent to you as cash. Confirm with your school's financial aid office how this credit will appear on your account. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with Calgary Foundation whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.
Can you get it?
- Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident — citizenship requirement
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.
Draft and revise your essays~10 hours
Use the STAR framework. Be specific, show impact, proofread twice.
Submit by Jun 15, 2026~1 hour
Double-check every field, save a copy, and submit at least 24 hours early.
More details
The biggest mistake is writing a generic academic statement.
Winners instead share honest stories about the daily struggle of balancing motherhood and school, then clearly link those experiences to why they need this specific degree to gain independence.
Many students provide a generic teacher's note.
Winners instead choose a referee who can speak specifically to their resilience and their ability to manage childcare and coursework simultaneously.
Focus your essay on the "future you." Describe exactly how this degree changes your career options and your children's lives, moving from survival mode to self-sufficiency.
Because this award requires proof of financial need and a personal essay, it is less about your GPA and more about your life circumstances.