Loretta Saunders Community Scholarship

Community Foundation of Nova Scotia

Get between $500 and $2,000 if you are an Indigenous woman from Mi´kma´ki, Nunatsiavut, or Atlantic Canada attending a Canadian post-secondary school.

Published by G Paul · last checked October 23, 2026

Total value

$2,000

Deadline

Jul 30, 2027

Level

Post-secondary

Open to

4 provinces

Apply on the official site ↗

What you will need

Identity as an Indigenous woman from Mi´kma´ki, Nunatsiavut, or Atlantic Canada
Enrollment at a post-secondary institution in Canada
Financial need
Record of scholastic achievement
Service to Indigenous communities or other volunteer activities

About this award

You can receive a scholarship ranging from $500 to $2,000. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. Typically, the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia awards at least one of these scholarships annually. This is for you if you are an Indigenous woman from Mi´kma´ki, Nunatsiavut, or Atlantic Canada who is dedicated to your studies and supporting your community. You must apply by July 30. When you apply, ask the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia how and when you will hear back — whether it is by email, phone, or through an application portal. Winners are chosen based on your scholastic achievement, your financial need, and your service to Indigenous communities or other volunteer activities. Selection criteria aren't published in detail, so ask the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia during your application how the money will reach you — some awards pay students directly, while others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. Renewal conditions aren't listed. If you are counting on this for multiple years, confirm with the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia whether it is a one-time award or if you can apply again each year and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

To qualify, you must be an Indigenous woman from Mi´kma´ki, Nunatsiavut, or Atlantic Canada. You must be attending a post-secondary institution in Canada. Additionally, you must have completed the equivalent of one year of post-secondary education within the previous two years.

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

Open to post-secondary students
Resident of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland and Labrador

How to apply

Read the award's official page
Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.
Submit your application
Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

Tips for applying

Community LeadershipAvoid just listing the organizations where you volunteered. Instead, describe the specific impact your service had on your Indigenous community. Write about one specific time your work helped others.
StrategyAvoid focusing only on your grades. Instead, balance your application by highlighting your financial need and your volunteer efforts alongside your scholastic achievements. Show how these three areas combine to make you a strong candidate.
RealismAvoid assuming this award is guaranteed because you meet the basic criteria. Instead, remember that the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia typically awards at least one scholarship per year, meaning competition can be high. Apply early to ensure your materials are complete.

Questions students ask

How do I apply?

Use the Apply on the official site button on this page: it opens the official application page in a new tab.

When is the deadline?

Applications close on July 30, 2027. Submit a day or two early: application sites get busy at the end.

Can international students apply?

Check the award's official page for the citizenship rules.

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FundMyCourse.ca · checked Oct 23, 2026