Your Gift, Their Future: Building Opportunities Through Education
Student awards—such as scholarships and bursaries—play a vital role in making education more accessible and rewarding academic excellence. For donors, these awards offer a meaningful way to support students, invest in the future, and leave a legacy. If you're considering establishing a student award, here are key questions to help guide your decision:
Scholarship or Bursary?
Scholarship
Scholarships recognize academic achievement and are awarded to high-performing students at any stage of their studies.
Bursary
Bursaries provide financial assistance to students facing economic challenges, helping cover tuition, living expenses, textbooks, and essential supplies.
Who Do You Want to Support?
Level of Study
Would you prefer to support undergraduate or graduate students?
Field of Study
Should the award be open to all students across the university, or focused on a specific faculty or department?
Endowed or Non-Endowed?
Endowed
Your gift is invested permanently, generating annual income to fund the award indefinitely. This creates a legacy that supports students for generations.
Non-Endowed
Your gift is distributed directly to students over a set period. Once the funds are used, the award is concluded.
What Will you be Naming Your Award?
Named awards can honor you, a loved one, or someone meaningful in your life.
Example: The Holly Greatrex Award in Psychology.
What Does It Cost?
Named Endowed Award
- Undergraduate Students: Minimum contribution of $25,000, payable over 5 years. Generates approx. $1,000/year at a 5.0% payout rate. (4% for the purpose of the fund, 1% for the administration of the fund), based on a four-year rolling average.
- Graduate Students: Minimum contribution of $50,000, payable over 5 years. Generates approx. $2,000/year at a 5.0% payout rate. (4% for the purpose of the fund, 1% for the administration of the fund), based on a four-year rolling average.
Named Non-Endowed Award
- Undergraduate Students: Minimum of $5,000, paid out over 5 years in $1,000/year installments.
- Graduate Students: Minimum of $10,000, paid out over 5 years in $2,000/year installments.
When Should the Award Begin?
Start Now
See the immediate impact of your gift.
Start Later
Establish the award through your estate.
Blended Gift
Combine both options for flexibility and long-term impact.
What Will You Receive Annually?
Endowed Award Donors
Annual financial report, recipient updates, and possible thank-you letters.
Non-Endowed Award Donors
Recipient updates and possible thank-you letters.
Can Others Contribute?
Yes! Each named award has a dedicated page on Carleton’s FutureFunder website. You can share your story and invite others to contribute.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Creating a student award is a powerful way to support education and empower future leaders. If you’d like help getting started, contact us at plannedgiving@carleton.ca. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
I would like to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt THANK YOU. This bursary has allowed me to focus more on my studies rather than balancing work, school and family. I appreciate this gift more than words can explain at this time of financial strain. Thank you!
1st year, Bachelor of Social Work Student
This student received the Evelyn Maud McCorkell Undergraduate Bursary in Social Work, made possible through a generous gift in the will of the late Evelyn Maud McCorkell.