Learn how to prepare your dream fund application!
Eligibility
You can apply for a Dream Fund bursaries if:
- You are youth in or from care in BC, aged 14-28
- You have a cumulative total of one year of government care experience (CCO, VCO, TCO, SNA, YAG, Extended Family Placements)
Application Process
Before you begin your application, please review the relevant Handy Checklist to make sure you have all your information ready.
*After applying, don’t forget to have your reference complete the reference form!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I apply?
You can fill out our bursary forms from the buttons on our Dream Fund webpage.
What supporting documents do I need I need to apply?
- Proof of Care Letter – A letter from the Ministry of Children and Family Development or Indigenous Child & Family Services Agency confirming your care status and how long you were in care.
- If applying for Education Achievement Bursary: Please provide proof of enrollment, registration or your student number from your post-secondary school.
What can I request funding for?
- Reach for Success Bursary: This bursary can provide up to $500 towards helping you reach your goals. This includes work certifications, driving lessons, counselling, dental fees, recreational activities, and more! Please provide a website and description of a program, service, product or activity you are requesting funding for. *Please note this bursary cannot be used to fund post-secondary costs.
- Education Achievement Bursary: This bursary can provide up to $1500 towards post-secondary tuition and fees. Please note that if successful, funds will be sent directly to your post-secondary school.
Do I need to submit a reference?
Yes! All applicants must have an adult complete our reference form. This can be submitted by a teacher, advisor, counselor, worker, employer, family member or other supportive adult. Once you finish your application, please send your reference a link to the form (it’s on the website and will also be sent by email after you apply).
How will successful applicants receive their funds?
Funds will be sent directly to the relevant school/program/activity/store and cannot be released to the applicant. Funds cannot be issued as reimbursements for past expenses.
I applied after the deadline. What will happen to my application?
There are three bursary rounds annually in February, June and October. Your application will be forwarded for consideration in the next Dream Fund round.
How often can I receive a Dream Fund bursary?
Successful applicants are eligible to receive each bursary once every 12 months. Applicants can only receive one bursary per round.
If I’m receiving other funding, can I still get a Dream Fund Bursary?
Yes! Even if you get funding from Tuition Waiver , Learning for Future Grant, Youth Futures Education Fund and/or the SAJE Program, you can still apply for the Dream Fund. However, it’s worth checking whether you can use funding from these programs for your needs, as our bursary resources are limited. Check in with your worker or a contact from your program about life-skills and education funding.
I’m younger than 14 or older than 28. Can I still apply?
If you’ll be 14 when funds are distributed (a few weeks after the deadline), or 28 on the date of the application deadline, you can still apply.
Want to speak to someone about Dream Fund? Contact Taylor Burnett