Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Canadore College Foundation

The Canadore College Foundation is the fundraising and development arm of Canadore College. Guided by priorities set by the College’s Board of Governors, it mobilizes donations from individuals, alumni, corporations and community partners to provide financial support for students, programs and applied research. The Foundation translates philanthropic gifts into concrete funding streams that improve access to education and strengthen the college’s impact in Northern Ontario.

The Foundation administers a portfolio of student-focused funds and institutional priorities. A central pillar is its Scholarships & Bursaries program, which offers financial awards that reduce tuition pressure, recognize achievement and help students persist in their studies. Named awards such as the David G. Harrison Memorial Award and the Emma Catalfamo Emerging Filmmaker Award provide annual support to Canadore students in specific disciplines or equity-deserving groups.

Beyond traditional awards, the Umbrella Fund offers flexible assistance for students’ most urgent needs, including essential supplies, housing support and emergency expenses. The Foundation also channels donations to capital projects, such as learning facilities and community-focused spaces, as well as to equipment and learning resources that enhance hands-on training and keep programs aligned with industry standards.

Funding is primarily directed to Canadore College students, with particular attention to those facing financial barriers, mature learners, students from specific regions, Indigenous learners and under-represented groups in fields like trades and filmmaking. Impact stories highlight how events such as the President’s Club Dinner have financed large cohorts of $1,000 bursaries, directly helping students stay enrolled and reduce work hours during their studies.

The Foundation is overseen by a Board of Directors composed of community and college leaders and is staffed by a dedicated development team. It publishes audited financial statements, underscoring its commitment to transparency and responsible stewardship of donor funds. Partnerships with organizations such as banks, foundations and community groups support initiatives like mental health programming and food and clean water projects, expanding the range of funded supports available to students.

Through this combination of scholarships, bursaries, emergency aid, capital investments and program-based funding, the Canadore College Foundation plays a key role in sustaining student success and advancing Canadore College’s strategic direction.