The Belonging Network’s bursary programs are the manifestation of our belief in the value and potential of fostered and adopted youth. Thanks to our valued donors, we’re proud to help ambitious young people defy stereotypes and achieve their dreams. 

About our bursaries

The Belonging Network’s bursary programs provide funding to help youth go to college or university, pursue a trade, or attend other training programs. Bursaries can be applied to tuition or to related expenses, including living costs while studying. 

The Belonging Network runs three annual bursary programs:

  • the BC Orca Bursary Program
  • the Joy MacPhail Bursary
  • the Vancouver Film Studios Indigenous Bursary
Applications for the 2024 BC Orca Bursary Program, the Joy MacPhail Youth Bursary, and the Vancouver Film Studios Indigenous Bursary are now open. You have until April 19th, 2024, to apply. Don’t miss out!

BC Orca Bursary Program

The BC Orca Bursary Program was established by a generous group of philanthropists who want to help current and former youth in government care pursue post-secondary studies. 

Twenty-seven bursaries were awarded in 2023.

Read more about the BC Orca Bursary Program and its application requirements.

Joy MacPhail Youth Bursary

The Joy MacPhail Youth Bursar provides financial support for post-secondary studies to a young person who joined their family by legal adoption or other forms of permanency. It was established in 2022 with funding from the Face the World Foundation.

One $3,000 bursary will be awarded annually from 2022-26. 

Read more about the Joy MacPhail Youth Bursary and its application requirements.

Vancouver Film Studios Indigenous Bursary

The Vancouver Film Studios Indigenous Bursary Program was established in 2022 in partnership with Vancouver Film Studios. It provides financial assistance to Indigenous people who plan to pursue any kind of formal or informal career-related education or training in British Columbia. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • post-secondary education
  • short or long certification programs
  • diplomas
  • skill-building programs
  • training programs

There is $12,000 of funding to be distributed. Bursary amounts vary depending on applicant needs. The maximum amount awarded to one applicant is $3,000.  

Read more about the Vancouver Film Studios Indigenous Bursary and its application requirements.

Guidelines

The following guidelines apply to all three bursary programs. Each bursary also has its own eligibility requirements. See the application forms for details.  

All applications that fulfil eligibility requirements and are complete and submitted on time will be forwarded for initial screening. The strongest applicants will be presented to the selection committee.

  • Bursary applicants may apply for both the BC Orca Bursary Program and the Joy MacPhail Youth Bursary, but can only be chosen for one of these awards per year.
  • Applicants are eligible for the Vancouver Film Studios Indigenous Bursaries program even if they have been selected for another Belonging Network award. 
  • Previous Belonging Network bursary award recipients are permitted to re-apply in a new bursary year.
  • All Belonging Network program clients are permitted to apply for our bursaries.
  • Current Belonging Network staff, board members, committee members, contractors and their respective children are not eligible to apply for Belonging Network bursaries.
  • Former Belonging Network staff, board members, committee members, contractors, and their respective children are eligible to apply for bursaries 12 months after their organizational role has concluded.

Here’s what our past winners say…

“It helped me be able to go to school full time so I will be able to achieve my dream career!”

– 2017 Howard Legacy Youth Fund Winner

“This bursary helped me get my foot in the door of the world of ECE [early-childhood education].”

– 2018 AFABC Youth Bursary Winner

“This Bursary will go a long way for me and the future of my family, it will allow me to focus on my school and be the first person in my family to pursue higher education.”

– 2021 Howard Legacy Youth Fund Winner