Sansom Ideas Foundation Graduate Scholarship for Studies in the History of Ideas

What you will need

• ✓ Be a graduate student who is or will be studying at a university in Canada
• ✓ Work that relates to the history of ideas

About this award

The scholarship is worth $10,000. As a scholarship, this money is yours to keep and you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are a graduate student whose work relates to the history of ideas. Past awards went to students in political science, history, philosophy and the history of art, but the history of ideas is broadly defined and no field of intellectual history is excluded. The last round ran from December 2, 2025 to 2:00 p.m. on March 3, 2026. London Community Foundation says applications open again in December 2026; check the award's official page then for the closing date. When you apply, ask how and when you'll hear back — whether it is by email, phone, or through an application portal. Selection criteria aren't published — ask London Community Foundation how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask London Community Foundation 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 London Community Foundation whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You qualify if you are a graduate student who is currently studying or will be studying at a university in Canada, and your work relates to the History of Ideas.

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.

• ✓ Canadian citizen, permanent resident or international student
• ✓ Open to graduate students
• ✓ Studying History of Ideas

How to apply

1. 1

   Read the award's official page

   Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

2. 2

   This round closed on March 3, 2026

   Check the award's official page for the next round before you prepare anything.

Tips for applying

• Research StatementAvoid giving a generic overview of your degree. Instead, clearly explain how your specific project connects to the History of Ideas. Detail the exact themes or thinkers you are analyzing.
• SupportAvoid submitting references without context. Instead, ensure your referees can speak directly to your academic rigor in the History of Ideas. Ask your professor to highlight your original contributions to the field.
• StrategyAvoid waiting until the deadline day to submit. Instead, reach out to the London Community Foundation Grants Team via their drop-in sessions or email lindsay@lcf.on.ca to clarify your project's fit. This ensures your application meets their specific interests.
• RealismAvoid assuming this grant covers your entire tuition. Instead, treat this as supplemental funding while you secure other graduate stipends. The award is $10,000.

Questions students ask

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