Grant and Funding Programs Offered by The O'Brien Foundation

The Leonard and Kathleen O'Brien Humanitarian Trust was established in 1971 by The Honourable J. Leonard O'Brien and his wife Kathleen O'Brien as a memorial to their commitment to education and the natural resources of New Brunswick. The Trust provides postgraduate fellowships for current or former residents of the Province of New Brunswick who are pursuing advanced (master's or doctoral-level) study or research in any academic, artistic, or professional field at any recognized university or research establishment.

Fellowships are awarded based on academic achievement and/or existing professional standing and character and integrity. The Selection Committee, composed of academics from New Brunswick universities, evaluates applications considering research quality, scholarly or creative achievement, and may give preference to students who intend to return to and remain in New Brunswick upon completion of their studies.

The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors including a Chair Emeritus, Chair, Vice Chair, Finance Committee Chair, and Selection Committee Chair. An Executive Director manages operations. The Foundation publishes lists of past recipients, maintains detailed application criteria, and issues tax-exempt donation receipts.

In its 44 years of operation from 1975 to 2019, the Foundation received 2,426 applications and granted 343 fellowships. The total value of awards was $1,777,000. In 2018, the sixth Alumni Fellowship was presented, demonstrating continued commitment to supporting graduate students.

Eligibility is limited to current or former residents of New Brunswick who have resided in the province for 5 years or more and hold a university degree. Fellows have pursued studies in diverse fields including Psychology, Biology, History, Music, Education, Medicine, Engineering, and Law at institutions across Canada and internationally.