Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Boréal Foundation

The Boréal Foundation is the philanthropic and fundraising arm of Collège Boréal, a French-language college with campuses across Ontario. Created in 1995, the Foundation coordinates fundraising activities and manages endowment funds whose capital is preserved while investment income is used to support scholarships, financial aid and strategic projects for the college community.

Its endowment funds underpin Collège Boréal’s scholarship and financial support program, as well as the development of priority teaching, research and infrastructure initiatives. Donations help maintain state-of-the-art equipment, enhance learning environments, and sustain innovative projects that strengthen the economic and social fabric of the communities served by the college.

The Foundation primarily funds students through scholarships and bursaries, including merit-based awards recognizing academic and personal excellence and need-based support for learners facing financial hardship. Donors can also create personalized scholarships or awards in their own name or in honour of someone, targeting specific student groups, programs, projects or departments.

Beyond direct student support, the Foundation channels funds to applied research programs, program development, and the improvement of teaching tools and facilities. It also backs initiatives such as athletics—through mechanisms like the “Adopt a Vipères Athlete” sponsorship concept—and other activities that contribute to student success and campus life.

The Boréal Foundation oversees a capitalized endowment fund whose investment policies are designed to honour commitments made to donors, maximize long-term returns and maintain an appropriate level of risk. A portion of donations collected each year is directed to this endowment, ensuring the sustainability of scholarship programs and funded activities.

A dedicated Board of Governors sets the Foundation’s strategic directions and exercises fiduciary oversight over its operations and performance. In coordination with the College Board, it ensures effective management, responsible use of financial resources and transparency through audited annual investment reports.

Working closely with Collège Boréal’s financial aid office, the Foundation provides an endowment that enables the distribution of approximately 3,000 scholarships annually to students across all campuses and access centres. This contribution helps ensure that no student is denied access to high-quality postsecondary education for financial reasons and supports the next generation of Francophone leaders in Ontario and beyond.