Scholarships & Funds

At UFCW 1518 we believe strongly in the importance of lifelong learning and encourage all of our members to pursue their interest in education, whether for personal growth or professional development. We are proud to support our members by offering a variety of scholarships for those attending, or planning to attend, post-secondary school in British Columbia. Good luck!

CLC/UWCC Post-Secondary Scholarship

The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) Young Workers Program and United Way Centraide Canada (UWCC) award the annual CLC/UWCC Post-Secondary Scholarship in the amount of $2,500 to support a young activist who is starting their first year of full-time post-secondary study in September.

Eligibility:

Applicants must meet the following criteria

  • Current union member, or the child/dependent of a union member, that is affiliated to the CLC;
  • Age 30 or under as of September 1st, 2019;
  • Enrolled for September 2019 to enter their first year of full-time study at a Canadian public post-secondary institution: university program (leading to a degree) or college program (leading to a diploma or certificate);
  • Does not have any prior post-secondary studies; and
  • Currently enrolled or not more than two years out of secondary school.

Apply:

For more information and to apply, click here. Deadline to apply is June of each year.

UFCW 1518 Affiliation Scholarship #547

The UFCW 1518 Affiliation Scholarship #547 awards 20 scholarships of $1,000 each to students beginning or continuing studies in a full academic program at the University of BC, University of Victoria, Simon Fraser University, BC Institute of Technology, or at a college in British Columbia. The scholarship is awarded to students entering from Grade 12 and students continuing with their post-secondary education. The awards are normally made to the applicants with the highest academic standing.

Eligibility:

Applicants must be a member of UFCW 1518 in good standing, or a child or legal ward of a member in good standing, and have earned a minimum grade of 75% in the previous year’s studies.

Required documentation:

  1. Letter of recommendation from UFCW 1518 confirming your or your parent’s membership in good standing. Please email your request to reception@ufcw1518.com with the subject line UFCW 1518 Scholarship 547.
  2. Most recent high school or post-secondary transcripts.
  3. A brief summary of how you meet the requirements.

Apply online:

Applications currently closed but will reopen in summer 2024. Click here to learn more.

Retail Meat Program – Thompson Rivers University

In partnership with Thompson Rivers University, UFCW 1518 offers members full tuition and partial living expenses to attend the Retail Meat Cutting Program. This nine-month program trains members to take up employment as a meat cutter and join a thriving industry that is always seeking talented and dedicated workers.

For admission information, contact Corey Davison at 250-828-5351 or cdavison@tru.ca. Learn more about the course here.

Deadline: Next program intake begins August 26, 2024.

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety Dick Martin Scholarship

This scholarship honours the memory of Dick Martin, a tireless health and safety advocate and a pioneer of workplace health and safety in Canada. Worth $3000, this CCOHS national scholarship is available to any student enrolled full-time or part-time in occupational health and safety-related studies at an accredited post-secondary institution in Canada, including mine safety, occupational or industrial health and safety, industrial hygiene, safety management or other related safety degree program. Find more information and apply here.

Columbia Foundation Lifelong Learning Scholarships

The Columbia Institute is committed to lifelong learning that benefits all segments of society. That’s why it supports adult learners interested in re-training and skills upgrading.

The David Podworny Memorial Scholarship, valued at $1,000 per year, is intended for those studying or planning to study telecommunications trades and labour studies at accredited public institutions in British Columbia or Washington State. Find more information and apply here.

The Dennis McGann Bursary is a one-time bursary, worth up to $1,000, for those studying or planning to study communications who demonstrate a commitment to the issues affecting working people. Find more information and apply here.

UFCW Charity Foundation Scholarship

Since 1958, the UFCW Charity Foundation has distributed more than $2 million in scholarships to members and their families. Past winners have gone on to make significant contributions to society in areas like the law, public service, medicine, business and teaching. Many have returned to UFCW as staffers, organizers and community activists who advance our values and mission. Six scholarships worth up to $8,000 each are awarded annually to students who have graduated from high school, have their GED, or will be graduating this spring. Find more information hereApply here.

UFCW Canada BDM Scholarship

Named in honour of three past leaders of UFCW Canada – William Beggs, Fred Dowling, and Roméo Mathieu – this scholarship supports members and their families pursuing full-time studies at an accredited post-secondary institution in Canada. You don’t need to be an A+ student – you just need a passion for learning! Eighteen scholarships worth $1000 each are allocated by region across Canada annually. Find more information hereApply here.

UFCW 1518 & Overwaitea Food Group Diversity Scholarship (non-members)

The Overwaitea Food Group offers this scholarship to all Canadian citizens in communities served by UFCW 1518 members and the OFG, at any stage of their post-secondary education. Successful applicants demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to diversity awareness in their schools and communities. Up to 10 scholarships worth $1000 each are awarded annually. Apply here.

UFCW 1518 & Overwaitea Food Group Diversity Scholarship (members)

Founded on the belief that we are stronger together, this scholarship supports respectful and positive work environments by promoting diversity awareness. Successful applicants demonstrate their commitment to developing strong, healthy and mutually beneficial relationships with the diverse communities we serve. It is open to UFCW 1518 members with at least one year of service with Overwaitea Food Group, and their dependents, who are pursuing a post-secondary program.

Up to 10 scholarships worth $1000 each are awarded annually. Find more information on the Team Member Information Site.

UFCW 1518 Members’ Emergency Fund

The purpose of the Members’ Emergency Fund is to help meet the financial needs of UFCW Local 1518 members who find themselves in financial distress due to an event beyond their control. This fund is a voluntary fund in that its income is derived from voluntary contributions made by members and others for the purpose of providing assistance to those in trouble. It is not a statutory program of the union nor should it be considered as an automatic source of funds that members can count on in an emergency. Like any voluntary fund, there may come times when there is simply no money available in the fund. Approved applications will be granted a $200 gift card.

Eligibility:

Applicants must be a member in good standing of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, Local 1518.

Requirements:

  • Letter with all pertinent information necessary, endorsed by three members in good standing with UFCW Local 1518 and who know the applicant and the circumstances of the request for assistance, for the panel to make a reasonable assessment.
  • Private medical information is not required.
  • Applications can not be supported by employer representatives.

Apply:

To apply, email Shelly Hallman at shallman@ufcw1518.com with your letter and other support documentation if needed.

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