The Bill Gale Bursary

What you will need

• ✓ Completed application form
• ✓ Essay
• ✓ High School Transcripts
• ✓ Confirmation of enrolment at a post-secondary institution
• ✓ Letter of recommendation from a spokesperson of a local school, community organization, or neighbourhood group acting as a sponsor

About this award

You can receive a $1,000 bursary for your education. As a bursary, this money is yours to keep — there is nothing to repay. There is 1 award available. This is for you if you live in poverty in the Greater Saint John area and are pursuing a post-secondary education to build a better future. You must apply by May 31, 2027. When you apply, ask Greater Saint John Community Foundation how and when you'll hear back — whether it is by email, phone, or through their online portal. Selection criteria aren't published — ask Greater Saint John Community Foundation how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask Greater Saint John 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 Greater Saint John Community Foundation whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You must be a resident of the Greater Saint John area, NB. You must be enrolled at any New Brunswick Post Secondary Institution. This award is specifically for youth who live in poverty and demonstrate financial need. You must also be recommended by a sponsor from a local school, community organization, or neighbourhood group who knows you well and agrees to support you throughout your study period.

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 New Brunswick

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

   Order your transcript1–2 weeks

   Your school's registrar can take a week or two.

3. 3

   Ask for reference letters2 weeks

   Give your referees at least two weeks' notice, and send them your résumé.

4. 4

   Write your essay

   Be specific about what you did and what changed because of it. Proofread it twice.

5. 5

   Submit your application

   Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

Tips for applying

• EssayAvoid writing a generic academic paper. Instead, focus on your personal experience with poverty and how this education will change your trajectory. Describe the specific obstacles you have overcome in Saint John.
• SupportAvoid choosing a reference who only knows you casually. Instead, pick a sponsor from a community group or school who can vouch for your potential to finish your program and your financial situation. Ensure they are willing to act as your sponsor for the entire time you receive the award.
• StrategyAvoid submitting your application without checking the sponsorship requirements. Instead, coordinate closely with your sponsor to ensure their letter of recommendation confirms your financial need and your support system. Make sure they understand they are committing to support you throughout your studies.
• RealismAvoid assuming this is a guaranteed grant. Instead, recognize that with only 1 award available, the competition is high. Focus your energy on proving your potential and your need through your essay and sponsor letter.

Questions students ask

Similar awards

• Greater Saint John Community FoundationThe Suzanne Doyle-Yerxa Award$500
• Greater Saint John Community FoundationThe HCapt(N) Noël Kinsella Memorial Bursary$1,000
• Greater Saint John Community FoundationThe Allan Percival Smith Memorial Bursary$1,000
• Greater Saint John Community FoundationThe Rachael Dawn Duffley Memorial Scholarship$1,000
• Greater Saint John Community FoundationThe Garfield T. Meltzer – Jewish War Veterans Scholarship$1,000
• Greater Saint John Community FoundationThe Rothesay High School Alumni Bursary$1,000
• Greater Saint John Community FoundationThe Constable Doug Larche Memorial Bursary$500
• Greater Saint John Community FoundationThe Juanita L. Black Bursary$1,000