Survivor & Sibling Education Bursaries
We are proud to be the only organization in British Columbia offering bursaries to childhood cancer survivors, without any minimum GPA requirement. If a young adult has gone through the Oncology/Hematology programs at BCCH, they are eligible to apply. Our only request is that recipients contribute back by volunteering to help support future families in need.
In 2023, we extended our support to include siblings living in the same household as a child diagnosed with cancer or a blood disorder. This program aims to remove financial barriers for siblings who feel the ripple effects of a cancer diagnosis in the home.
We strive to assist as many applicants as we can, although priority is given to new applicants and those who volunteer at our main event.
Eligibility requirements
- You must be a survivor or currently in treatment for a childhood cancer or blood disorder, involved in BCCH Oncology/Hematology/BMT programs, OR a sibling of a BCCH patient (including bereaved siblings).
- You must be enrolled at an educational institution sponsored by a professional association or agency.
- The program you are enrolled in must enhance your life and future employment opportunities.
- You must volunteer at a Balding for Dollars event, within a year.
How to Apply
All applications must be received by the application deadline(s) and must include all supporting documents. We accept applications twice yearly, as follows:
June 15 deadline for upcoming Summer or Fall courses (June to December)
November 15 deadline for upcoming Winter or Spring courses (January to May)
To facilitate the application process, have your supporting documents ready before you begin completing the online Bursary Application form.
Confirmation of enrollment and tuition receipts MUST include your school’s name and address, your name, student number and the date of the letter or transaction.
Bursary Application & Payment Request Forms
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When can I apply for the bursary?
The online application form opens approximately 2 months prior to the deadline date.
2. How do I know if my application was received?
- Application is received.
- If you do not receive a confirmation email, your application was not received. Contact us if you have any issues applying.
3. How long does it take to review the applications?
All applications are reviewed by our administrator for completeness and then presented to the committee chairs, during which time bursary recipients and amounts are determined. This usually happens about 4-6 weeks after the deadline date.
4. How will I find out if I was awarded a bursary?
Once our review process is complete, our administrator will email all applicants with our decision and, at the same time, advise successful applicants with any important details relevant to their award.
5. What do I do after receiving notice of being awarded?
You must confirm receipt of the notification as well as your intent to use the award for the applicable term. This will be noted in the email.
6. What do I do if my study plans have changed?
If, for any reason, you no longer intend to study for an awarded term, please Contact us as soon as possible. If we can we will allocate those funds to another applicant or Balding for Dollars program.
7. What type of expenses can my bursary be used for?
Bursary funds may be used toward tuition fees, books, or materials related to the approved course.
8. When will I receive my bursary payment?
All bursary recipients must first pay their tuition fees and complete their approved coursework. When their course(s) are complete, they can apply to Balding for Dollars to have the bursary amount paid out.
9. How & when do I apply to get my bursary payment?
Complete the online Bursary Payment form by the applicable due date:
- For Summer/Fall awards – forms due by Dec. 15
- For Winter/Spring awards – forms due by May 15
10. How will I know if my Bursary Payment form was received?
- A confirmation email is automatically generated when a Bursary Payment form is received.
- If you do not receive a confirmation email, your request was not received. Contact us if you have any issues applying.
11. How long does it take to receive the Bursary Payment?
Payments can take 6-8 weeks, so submit your requests as soon as possible and ensure that you include your most up-to-date address on the form.
12. How can I register to volunteer at the Balding for Dollars main event?
Contact us to register as a volunteer and our administrator will be in touch with you to let you know where you will can help.
13. I will not be in Vancouver for the main event this year. How else can I fulfill the volunteer requirement for the bursary?
Contact us to learn about other opportunities to volunteer with Balding for Dollars throughout the year or in preparation for our main event.