The Ames Family Foundation Bursary

The Ames Family Foundation Bursary is a low-barrier bursary designed to provide financial resources to youth from government care who are pursuing post-secondary education. We encourage diverse and equity-deserving individuals to apply, specifically those who are Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQ+ identified, persons of all abilities, and the intersections of these identities. Bursaries will be awarded based on need, individual circumstance, and academic and career goals.

Who can apply

• You are a former youth in care either under a continuing custody order (CCO) or temporary custody order (TCO), Voluntary Care Agreement or Special Care Agreement) or Youth Agreement in BC under the Child, Family and Community Services Act.
• You are 19 or over by the application deadline date.
• You are currently a BC resident. 
• You are currently enrolled or planning to enroll in a secondary, post-secondary academic, technical or vocational program, a recognized public post-secondary institution, or a registered private post-secondary institution.
• You may still apply if you are receiving other bursaries, grants, scholarships, and/or other financial aid.

Application requirements

• A letter of confirmation verifying your enrollment in a program at an accredited BC institution
• Two reference letters, each from a significant individual in your life (eg. teacher, social worker, foster parent, or close friend). One of the letters must be written by a non-family member.

When to apply

Applications will be accepted in May of each year. 

Amount of grant

Two bursaries of $5,000 will be distributed. 

How to submit your application

You can submit your application in one of three ways; online, by mail, or by email.

By online form:

See below.

By mail: 

208-20641 Logan Avenue
Langley, BC V3A 7R3

By email:

[email protected]

Next steps

Once the application has been reviewed, BCFPA will notify the candidate by email or phone of the status of the application. Cheques are issued payable to the applicant and sent to the applicant’s mailing address. Please allow four weeks from the date that you receive the notification for your cheque to arrive. If you have any questions or need assistance, please email [email protected].  

Note: BC Foster Parents Association respects your privacy. All information collected will be used by BCFPA only, in accordance with our Privacy Policy. For details, please contact our privacy officer at 1-800-663-9999.