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Optimist Foundation - Scholarships
Scholarships for student speech and essay contests
Last Update: April 29, 2026
Funding available
$ 1,000 - $ 15,000
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Quebec, Canada
Overview
This program funds post-secondary scholarships through three Optimist International contests in Canada. It supports speech, essay, and communication competitions for students under 19, with awards available at club, district, regional, and world levels.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop workforce skills
- Reach a new target audience
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 15,000 $
- Minimum amount : 1,000 $
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Educational services
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Youth (<40)
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Oratorical speech contest
- Literary essay contest
- Speech and communication contest for deaf and hard of hearing students
Documents Needed
- Contest application
- Submitted speech or essay
- Any contest materials required by the local club or district
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Students under 19
- Secondary school students and CEGEP students in Québec
- Young people participating in Optimist International scholarship contests
Who is not eligible
- Applicants who are 19 or older as of October 1 of the contest year
- Students who have already completed secondary school or its equivalent
Eligible expenses
- Post-secondary scholarship funding for winners
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
- Québec
Processing and Agreement
- Entries are first reviewed at the local club level.
- Winning entries may advance to zone, district, regional, and world levels.
- Contest timing is set by the sponsoring Optimist Club.
- Results determine which students receive scholarships or awards.
Additional information
- Scholarships are funded by the Canadian Children’s Optimist Foundation and Optimist International foundations.
- There are three scholarship contests: oratorical, literary essay, and speech for deaf and hard of hearing students.
- Club, zone, region, and district-level competitions may be held.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Optimist Foundation - Scholarships Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Optimist Foundation - Scholarships. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Optimist Foundation - Scholarships?
This program funds post-secondary scholarships through three Optimist International contests in Canada. It supports speech, essay, and communication competitions for students under 19, with awards available at club, district, regional, and world levels.
How much funding can be received?
Optimist Foundation - Scholarships Funds up to $15,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Optimist Foundation - Scholarships program?
To be eligible for the Optimist Foundation - Scholarships program, you must:
Students under 19
Not yet finished secondary school
Entry through a local Optimist Club
What expenses are eligible under Optimist Foundation - Scholarships?
Oratorical speech contest
Literary essay contest
Speech and communication contest for deaf and hard of hearing students
Who can I contact for more information about the Optimist Foundation - Scholarships?
You can contact Optimist Foundation of Canadian Children by email at programs@optimist.org or by phone at 800-500-8130.
Where is the Optimist Foundation - Scholarships available?
The Optimist Foundation - Scholarships program is available the province of Quebec.
Is the Optimist Foundation - Scholarships a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Optimist Foundation - Scholarships is a Grant and Funding