Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres · National
Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres
About this award
Apply by August 1 for various grants supporting urban Indigenous students, including two awards for 2SLGBTQQNBIA+ individuals aged 18-29.
The provider does not post a fixed dollar amount for these awards — contact the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC — the provincial body representing member Friendship Centres) to confirm the value for your specific award before you apply. These are grants, not loans, so you do not have to pay them back. This funding is for you if you are an urban Indigenous student, specifically targeting men under 30, women caring for dependents, or those identifying as 2SLGBTQQNBIA+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Non-Binary, Intersex, Asexual and gender diverse). You must apply by August 1. When you apply, ask how and when you'll hear back — whether it is by email, phone, or through the portal. Selection criteria aren't published — ask OFIFC how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Note that for the Sylvia Maracle Bursary, two people are selected. Ask OFIFC during your application how the money will reach you — some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with OFIFC whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.
Can you get it?
- Indigenous — citizenship requirement
- Undergraduate, Post Secondary, Technical Training, Development Programs — study level
- Resident of ON — 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.
Submit by No deadline~1 hour
Double-check every field, save a copy, and submit at least 24 hours early.
More details
The biggest mistake is listing your memberships without explaining your impact.
Winners instead describe exactly how they helped the urban Indigenous community.
Give a specific example of a project you led at a local Friendship Centre.
The biggest mistake is providing a generic character reference.
Winners instead use referees who can vouch for their commitment to the Friendship Centre Movement.
Ask a mentor or community leader to write about your specific contributions.