Role of S'Cool Life Fund in the Canadian education funding ecosystem
S'Cool Life Fund is a national charitable fund dedicated to enriching the everyday experience of students in Canadian public non‑tuition elementary schools. Launched in 2005, the fund focuses on D.R.E.A.M.S. projects — Drama, Recreation, Extra‑Curricular, Arts, Music and Sports — recognizing that activities beyond core academics are essential to children’s development and well‑being. Over the years, S'Cool Life Fund has supported more than 1,200 projects across the country, distributing over $3 million in grants.
Types of grants and funded activities
The organization provides small, targeted grants, with the average grant amount under $3,000. Funding is aimed at projects that leave a tangible legacy, can be used year after year, and reach the greatest possible number of students. Typical initiatives include drama productions, music and arts programs, sports and recreation equipment, and innovative extra‑curricular activities that make school life more fun and engaging.
The fund explicitly avoids core academic subjects, instead prioritizing experiences that sit outside the standard curriculum but are equally important for social, physical and creative development. It does not fund salaries and honorariums, playgrounds, renovations, school trips, camps, one‑day events, transportation, or short‑term workshops and courses.
Eligibility and target beneficiaries
To be eligible, applicants must be Canadian public non‑tuition elementary schools serving students from JK to Grade 8 (and equivalent early secondary levels in Québec). Each school may submit only one application per school year. Applications must be filed by the school principal and supported by a teacher and/or a member of the parent advisory group, ensuring that projects reflect the school community’s priorities.
General expectations and accountability
Successful applicants are asked to confirm receipt of the grant cheque and later provide copies of receipts for items purchased with the funds. While there is no rigid spending timeline, schools are encouraged to use the grant within roughly six months, typically within the same school year, to maximize impact on current students. The fund may choose to fully or partially support a request, and not all applications are funded, underscoring the competitive nature of the program.
Publics served and overall impact
By concentrating on D.R.E.A.M.S. projects, S'Cool Life Fund complements other educational funding sources that focus on curriculum, literacy or infrastructure. Its grants help schools create inclusive, memorable experiences that reach large numbers of children, particularly in communities where discretionary resources are limited. Public lists of funded schools for cycles such as 2025–2026 highlight the breadth of its reach across provinces and territories and offer inspiration to future applicants.