Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Cégep de Sherbrooke Foundation

The Cégep de Sherbrooke Foundation is a philanthropic non-profit closely linked to Cégep de Sherbrooke. Its role is to channel donations and proceeds from fundraising activities into direct financial support for students and strategic projects within the college community. The Foundation supports students facing financial hardship, helps them stay in school and complete their diploma, and recognizes excellence, perseverance and engagement through numerous scholarships and awards.

Beyond individual support, the Foundation also contributes to the development of innovative teaching and research projects. It facilitates access to international internships, backs pedagogical experimentation and provides targeted funding for initiatives that enrich the learning environment and open students to the world.

The Foundation manages a portfolio of scholarships and recognition programs under the banner “Reconnaissances et bourses”. These include study bursaries tied to specific programs, awards presented at the annual student merit ceremony in May, and theme-based scholarships such as the Cheminement recherche-études (CRÉ) bursaries, which reward research projects led by college students. Several awards are offered in partnership with external donors and companies, highlighting links with the labour market.

A notable thematic instrument is the Climate Action Fund, which annually grants a bursary to finance an innovative pedagogical project at the Cégep related to the fight against climate change. Projects must reduce greenhouse gas emissions, be led by a member of the college community and have strong feasibility and educational impact. Other programs, such as success and engagement bursaries run with the Cégep’s solidarity cooperative, provide fixed-amount awards to coop members, with clear eligibility criteria, deadlines and selection committees.

The Foundation primarily supports students of Cégep de Sherbrooke, from those just transitioning to college (through entrance and transition bursaries like the Impulsion study bursary fund) to those already engaged in specialized programs and research pathways. It also funds pedagogical teams and staff by backing innovative teaching projects and climate-action initiatives.

The impact of the Foundation is amplified by numerous fundraising events such as lotteries, benefit evenings and sports tournaments, which mobilize donors and the regional community. By combining direct financial aid, merit-based scholarships, thematic funds and recognition prizes like the annual Coup de cœur awards, the Cégep de Sherbrooke Foundation plays a central role in student success, educational innovation and community engagement within the Sherbrooke college network.