Grant and Funding Programs Offered by The Manitoba P.E.O. Foundation

The Manitoba P.E.O. Foundation is a provincial charitable foundation created by members of the Manitoba–Northwest Ontario Provincial Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood. Established in 1988, it focuses on advancing education and relieving financial need among women living in Manitoba. The foundation provides educational and charitable grants to women who wish to pursue higher education but lack sufficient financial resources.

Grants are designed as grant‑in‑aid, helping cover essential costs required to reach an educational goal. Eligible expenses typically include tuition, books, educational supplies, transportation related to studies, and childcare while the recipient is in class or studying. The maximum standard grant is $3,000, and funding decisions take into account both the annual grant budget and each applicant’s specific needs.

The foundation targets adult women who are residents of Manitoba. Applicants must have lived in Manitoba for at least six consecutive months before applying, be 18 years of age or older, and be accepted into an accredited academic or technical institution in a program leading to a degree, diploma or certificate. Demonstrated financial need is a core requirement, and applicants cannot be receiving Employment Assistance at the time of application.

Applications are made through an Educational Grant Interest Form, which collects information on residency, program of study, family situation and financial responsibilities such as dependants or housing costs. The program is administered by a board of directors composed of P.E.O. members, who review requests and allocate funds according to established criteria and available resources.

Grants are issued twice annually, with decision dates around June 15 and November 15. Deadline dates noted on the interest form indicate that applicants should submit their information by May 1 or October 1 to be considered for the next round. This cyclical process allows the foundation to manage its yearly grant budget and ensure recurring opportunities for women to seek support.

The Manitoba P.E.O. Foundation is supported by cash gifts, bequests, and donations from local P.E.O. chapters. It also receives directed charitable contributions, including via partner community foundations. Oversight is provided by its board of directors, ensuring that funds are used specifically to assist Manitoba women in pursuing post‑secondary education.

By focusing on women facing financial barriers to higher education, the Manitoba P.E.O. Foundation complements the broader suite of P.E.O. philanthropies administered at the international level. Locally, it offers flexible grants that can be applied to a range of study‑related costs, making it particularly useful for women balancing education with work or family responsibilities. Through recurring funding rounds and close ties to community‑based P.E.O. chapters, the foundation contributes to increasing educational attainment and economic independence among women across Manitoba.