Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Extended Hands

Extended Hands is a charitable, non-profit organization based in Lachine, Quebec, active since 2005. Its work focuses on poverty relief through a mix of direct services and targeted financial assistance. Locally, it supports low-income residents, refugee families and vulnerable households by providing weekly grocery supplementation, a free community lunch, and distribution of clothing and household items. In parallel, the organization operates a Scholarship Program that offers financial aid to students pursuing post-secondary and other studies in Quebec.

The Scholarship Program is a key funding mechanism within Extended Hands. It is designed for students—from elementary through college level—who demonstrate strong academic performance and positive community involvement but have limited financial means. Eligible applicants include Canadian citizens, permanent residents and landed immigrants who reside in Lachine and surrounding communities and attend recognized institutions in Quebec. Scholarships are defined as awards of financial aid that do not need to be repaid, helping recipients progress in fields of study important for their academic and career development.

Scholarship applications are reviewed by a Scholarship Selection Committee, which evaluates candidates based on the program’s criteria and supporting documents. A complete application package must include reference letters, a biographical sketch documenting community service, proof of acceptance from a higher learning institution and the latest report card. Applications must be received at Extended Hands by July 31 each year, after which selected recipients are informed by email, mail or telephone and recognized at an award ceremony.

Extended Hands also partners with donors to grow its scholarship funding base. Donors making substantial contributions over CAD 10,000 can establish named scholarship funds under the banner of Extended Hands, ensuring recognition of their support while directly financing future student awards. Beyond scholarships, the organization collaborates with educational institutions and community organizations to provide safe environments for internships, stage placements and community service hours, reinforcing its broader role in local social development.

Through its food distribution, hot meal programs and clothing support, Extended Hands assists hundreds of families each week, addressing immediate needs related to food insecurity and basic necessities. The scholarship funding complements these efforts by tackling long-term poverty reduction, enabling motivated students from low-income backgrounds to access post-secondary education and improve their employment prospects. Together, these programs position Extended Hands as both a frontline social service provider and a local grantmaker in the form of educational financial aid.