Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Army Cadet League of Canada (ACLC)

The Army Cadet League of Canada (ACLC) is a national civilian non‑profit and charitable organization created in 1971 to support the Royal Canadian Army Cadet program. As the supervisory sponsor for more than 400 cadet corps and over 18,000 youth across Canada, the League complements the resources of the Department of National Defence (DND) by funding activities, services and equipment that fall outside federal support. It works in close partnership with the Canadian Armed Forces and local communities to ensure that Army cadets can benefit from a challenging, inclusive and adventure‑oriented youth program.

At the national level, the League can collect, receive, hold and invest funds from donations, grants, subscriptions and legacies, and apply those funds for the benefit of Army cadets, subject to donor intent. These resources are channelled into corps‑level support, national events and a structured portfolio of financial awards that recognize merit and help cadets pursue further opportunities.

Through its "Awards, Grants and Bursaries" framework, the ACLC administers several financial instruments aimed at current and former Army cadets. Under its section on financial awards and grants, the League offers, among others, the Gerard Buckley Cadet Fund, the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion Bursary, the Young Citizens Foundation Scholarship Award, the Major Terence Whitty Memorial Bursary, and the Colonel Commandants and National Presidents’ Scholarship. Each program is governed by a formal policy document and usually accompanied by an application form, often available through secure online forms.

These funds can support cadets’ post‑secondary studies, recognize leadership and citizenship, or help remove financial barriers linked to participation in advanced training and commemorative activities. In addition, the League manages non‑financial honours such as service medals, volunteer recognition and marksmanship awards, reinforcing motivation and engagement within the Army cadet community.

The League’s National Policy Manual sets out detailed rules for honours and awards, financial controls and accounting, and the administration of financial contributions. Policies in section 15 address financial directives, investment policy and reimbursement procedures, while section 17 focuses specifically on financial awards and grants. This framework, overseen by the national board and its finance and audit committee, is designed to ensure consistent, transparent management of donated funds and equitable access to League‑supported opportunities.

The ACLC primarily serves Army cadets aged 12–18, their corps, and the volunteer support committees that sustain local units. By underwriting special events, equipment purchases and national‑level activities such as expeditions, battlefield tours, marksmanship teams and commemorations, the League enhances the educational and developmental impact of the cadet program. Its financial awards help promising youth transition into higher education and civic engagement, in line with its "North Star" of strengthening Canada through local youth empowerment.