About
The Community Foundation of Nova Scotia (CFNS) is a charitable organization that empowers Nova Scotians to invest in their vision of community impact. Working like a personal charitable foundation but with simplified administration, CFNS manages over 180 funds supporting causes including education, arts, healthcare, and the environment across Nova Scotia. The foundation handles CRA compliance, investment management, and administrative duties while donors focus on their philanthropic vision, offering the same tax advantages as a private foundation.
Funding Opportunities
Norma R. Smith Memorial Scholarship
The Norma R. Smith Memorial Scholarship was established in 2022 in memory of Norma R. Smith, an amazing woman whose heart embraced not only her children, but all those within her sphere of influence. This scholarship provides a $2,000 award to a graduating senior of African-Nova Scotian descent, to be used at a post-secondary institution of their choice. The scholarship supports African-Nova Scotian students as they transition from Grade 12 to recognized Canadian post-secondary education colleges or universities. Applicants must have been accepted by a recognized Canadian post-secondary institution and plan to attend in the fall of the same year. Scholarships are typically awarded annually, though the frequency may vary based on income levels and the discretion of the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia.
Robert Sampson Integrity Award
The Robert Sampson Integrity Award honors the legacy of Robert Sampson, a plumber, educator, and humanitarian who worked at the Nova Scotia Community College as a coach and mentor. Robert had a special talent for helping others recognize and nurture their own potential, particularly those who were struggling. He believed in 'paying forward' the help he received and wanted to support students with strong values rather than just academic achievement. This award was established in 2013 to support Grade 12 students at Bay View High School (formerly Sir John A. MacDonald High School) who plan to continue their studies after graduation and who embody Robert's humanitarian and nurturing qualities. The award recognizes students who demonstrate compassion, integrity, leadership ability, respect for the entire school community, and overall positive impact on the world. There is no formal application process; instead, students must be nominated by a Bay View teacher, with nominations due by June 15 each year.
Digital Nova Scotia TechQuity Award
The Digital Nova Scotia TechQuity Award is an innovative educational scholarship designed to support African Nova Scotian students pursuing undergraduate studies in the technology sector. This landmark initiative is made possible through a $100,000 endowment fund and underscores Digital Nova Scotia's commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in the digital industry. The award aims to address the barriers faced by students from underserved communities and those underrepresented in the tech sector by offering meaningful financial assistance. By investing in the education of underrepresented students, DNS is paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future in technology. The award will provide financial support to students from African Nova Scotian communities who are planning to study in fields such as computer science, information technology, digital innovation and cybersecurity. At least $5,000 will be awarded annually to a deserving student, with recipients selected by the Digital Nova Scotia Educational Award Committee along with designated DNS staff and volunteers.
Ethel F. Grant Eagles Scholarship
The Ethel F. Grant Eagles Scholarship was established in 2010 to support nursing students at Cape Breton University. Named after Ethel F. (Grant) Eagles, a passionate Cape Bretoner and registered nurse who graduated from Glace Bay General Hospital in 1946 and led the province in her RN exams, this scholarship reflects her lifelong commitment to helping those in need. Ethel worked as an industrial nurse at the Sydney steel plant and loved the fast-paced, dynamic nature of industrial nursing. The scholarship is awarded annually to students enrolled full-time in the Cape Breton University Nursing Program. Applicants are evaluated based on their financial need and academic standing. The scholarship is renewable up to two times for a total of three academic years, provided the recipient maintains the minimum level of academic standing required to continue in the program. This scholarship provides crucial financial support to nursing students pursuing their education at Cape Breton University, helping to develop the next generation of healthcare professionals in Nova Scotia. The deadline for applications is April 30 each year.
Buddy Daye Scholarship Fund
The Buddy Daye Scholarship Fund honors Delmore 'Buddy' Daye, the first Canadian Junior Lightweight Champion and respected community advocate who fought passionately for community, political and minority rights, especially on behalf of African Nova Scotians. He was a founding member of the Black United Front and the Black Learners Advisory Committee, and played a key role in establishing the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia. This scholarship recognizes African Nova Scotian youth aged 14-24 who are continuing their studies and demonstrate athletic accomplishments, community involvement (especially with respect to civil and human rights or other activities beneficial to the community), and scholastic achievement. The scholarship embodies Buddy Daye's legacy of excellence in athletics and commitment to community service and advocacy. Nominations are accepted from individuals, schools, youth groups, community groups, or sports organizations. The scholarship is awarded annually, with the deadline for nominations on April 30th. Only activities done in a volunteer capacity are considered for the community involvement criterion.
Fraser Family Fund for Music Education
The Fraser Family Fund for Music Education seeks to inspire and educate a new generation of passionate music teachers who will settle in Atlantic Canada to teach privately, ensuring that music education is accessible and flourishes. The fund is established in honour and loving memory of Katherine Fraser (1960-2025), Peter Fraser (1939-), and Rosemary Fraser (1939-2018), a devoted family of private music teachers whose legacy resonates throughout Cape Breton. Through their guidance and mentorship, persons across the lifespan learned piano, theory, and music history. Their students were encouraged to take Royal Conservatory of Music Exams and compete in the Cape Breton Kiwanis Music Festival. The fund supports students of all ages who aspire to study music and share their gifts with communities in need of musical connections, creative inspiration, and music instruction. The program prioritizes applicants who are currently providing private music instruction or intend to provide such instruction while enrolled in their music education program.
At a Glance
- Total Funding Opportunities
- 21
- Active Now
- 6
- Source Domain
- cfns.ca
Catalog Data
This funder profile was automatically extracted from grant listings. Information may be incomplete.
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