Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Canadian Hospitality Foundation (CHF)

The Canadian Hospitality Foundation (CHF) is a national charitable foundation dedicated to advancing careers in foodservice, hospitality, tourism and related disciplines across Canada. Founded in 1962 by industry leaders, it was created to respond to the growing need for skilled professionals by financially supporting students in culinary arts, hotel and tourism management, event management, design and other hospitality-focused programs.

CHF positions itself as a bridge between education and industry. It collaborates closely with colleges, universities and sector partners to design and deliver scholarships that are aligned with real labour market needs. Since 2001, the foundation highlights that it has awarded more than 1,800 scholarships and over $3.13 million to Canadian students pursuing hospitality careers, making it one of the country’s key industry-driven scholarship providers in this field.

The foundation’s primary funding vehicle is competitive scholarships. These are aimed at Canadian citizens or permanent residents enrolled in recognized post-secondary foodservice and hospitality programs or related fields. Disciplines explicitly mentioned include culinary, hotel and tourism studies, hospitality management, events, business, bar and beverage, equipment and design, and equipment engineering tied to hospitality operations.

Scholarships are offered both nationally and in partnership with specific institutions through CHF’s network of education partners. Corporate sponsors and individual donors can also fund named scholarships and endowments that support particular disciplines, regions or workforce priorities, while CHF ensures transparent administration and alignment with its mission.

CHF runs a structured scholarship competition with a clearly documented application and selection process. Applicants submit an online application form, résumé, official academic transcript, letters of recommendation and a professional photograph via CHF’s secure portal. General eligibility criteria include Canadian citizenship or permanent residency, current enrolment in an eligible program, and the condition that previous CHF scholarship recipients are not eligible.

Applications are evaluated on multiple weighted criteria: work experience and increasing responsibility, leadership and ability to work with others, extracurricular involvement and participation in industry-related activities, academic record, and overall professional promise. In some cases, shortlisted candidates may also be invited to a virtual interview. All applicants are notified of funding decisions.

CHF’s scholarship portfolio is financed through a mix of corporate and personal donations, named scholarships and legacy endowments. Donors can contribute unrestricted funds or create named awards at various levels, from regional “Friends of CHF” scholarships to larger multi-award corporate packages and permanent endowment funds. Investment income from endowed gifts is used to fund scholarships on an ongoing basis.

The foundation is a registered Canadian charity, is audited annually, and indicates that its investment funds are managed by professional financial institutions and overseen in collaboration with Restaurants Canada. CHF also engages volunteers and partners through fundraising events and community initiatives that further expand scholarship and mentorship opportunities.

Beyond direct financial support, CHF emphasizes its role in building a vibrant hospitality community. Its CHF Community platform showcases scholarship recipients, industry mentors, corporate sponsors and education partners, illustrating the broader impact of its funding activities on career trajectories and sector leadership. By combining scholarships, mentorship and industry networking, the foundation helps ensure a steady pipeline of motivated, well-prepared talent for Canada’s hospitality and foodservice ecosystem.