Role of Humana Community Services in the funding ecosystem
Humana Community Services is an inclusive, accredited social services agency based in Ontario, Canada. It connects children, youth, adults and families with specialized needs to a continuum of evidence-based supports, including mental health services, community living options, crisis intervention, housing, foster care, supported independent living, education and skill-building programs. Operating across Huron, Kent and Middlesex counties, Humana is a registered charity and part of provincial networks such as Children’s Mental Health Ontario and Ontario Agencies Supporting Individuals with Special Needs.
Beyond delivering front-line services, Humana also plays a targeted funding role for the people it serves. Through its Education Scholarships offerings, the organization provides financial support to current and former participants of Humana and its legacy agencies to pursue post-secondary education and build skills for independent living.
Scholarships and bursaries offered
The Humana Community Services Scholarship provides financial assistance for post-secondary studies to current and former participants of Humana and its legacy agencies. Initiated by the Board of Directors in 1996, this scholarship program is funded by donations designated for education. Applications are typically accepted in August, with funds distributed in September each year.
Humana also highlights and helps connect participants to complementary awards, including the donor-funded Fanshawe College bursary for students with a history of involvement with Humana. While administered through Fanshawe College’s financial aid system, it represents an ongoing bursary stream rooted in Humana’s donor support and focused on improving educational access for its participants.
Foundation support and internal grantmaking
The Humana Community Services Foundation is a separate registered charity created in 2000 to support the present and future needs of the agency. The Foundation raises funds and manages investments, and the income generated is granted solely to Humana Community Services to advance its vision, mission and values. This internal grantmaking model helps stabilize program funding, sustain specialized services and create capacity for new initiatives that respond to emerging needs in the community.
Publics served and impact
Humana’s funding and scholarship activities are tightly linked to its program participants. Eligible applicants for scholarships and bursaries are current or former service users of Humana and its predecessor agencies, reflecting a focus on improving long-term outcomes for people with complex needs. By combining program delivery with targeted financial support for education and skill development, Humana aims to foster wellness, belonging and greater independence for the individuals and families it accompanies.