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Awards & Scholarships

Norman Taylor Memorial Scholarships

Scholarships are available from AFOA to pursue studies leading to CAFM designation and to cover costs of AFOA courses and attendance at conference.

Two of AFOA's key strategic objectives are to increase the number of CAFMs practicing in Canada, and to encourage Aboriginal young adults to enter into the finance profession. AFOA is developing an Aboriginal Financial Management Scholarship Program to help meet these objectives.

The Program is intended to help qualified candidates who do not have the financial resources they need to either:

  • Pursue the AFM educational program leading to the CAFM designation;
  • Enroll in AFOA's AFM or Management Certificate courses; or
  • Attend AFOA's National Conference.

Funds have been allocated to the Scholarship Program and the Program has been approved by the Board of Directors. AFOA is in the final stages of developing the criteria and application process.

What kind of Scholarships are available?

Two categories of scholarships are available:

1) CAFM Scholarship

  • for candidates who are pursuing the CAFM designation
  • intended to offset costs of taking the 14 courses comprising the AFM program (Certificate Level and Diploma Level) leading to the Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) designation, and assist with books and living expenses
  1. A CAFM renewable Scholarship (renewed every year until program is completed with enrollment in minimum 4 AFM courses) in the amount of $5,000 will be awarded annually to 2 applicants in the first year. There will be specific criteria attached to this Scholarship.
  2. A CAFM one-time Scholarship (for the year in question only with enrollment in minimum of 2 AFM courses) of $3,500 will be awarded to 4 applicants in the first year.

2) Professional Development Scholarship

  • for candidates who wish to take AFOA's AFM courses or AFOA management certificate courses on a one-off basis for professional development reasons, or attend AFOA's National Conference.
  • intended to offset full registration costs for AFOA courses and/or registration and travel related costs to attend National Conference.
  • Scholarships of up to $800 will be awarded to 2 applicants who wish to enroll in an AFOA course.
  • Scholarships of up to $800 plus travel related costs up to $2,000 will be awarded to 2 applicants who wish to attend AFOA's National Conference.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility criteria will be contingent on the type of scholarship being sought.

CAFM Renewable

  • All Canadian resident Aboriginal students (First Nation/Inuit or Metis)
  • Committed to pursuing CAFM designation
  • Proof of full-time post-secondary enrollment at a Canadian university or college and in minimum of four AFM courses (if unable to enroll until funds received, this criteria can be negotiable)
  • Enrollment in minimum of one AFOA on-line AFM course
  • No age limit, however priority may be given to youth
  • Demonstrated academic merit
  • In need of financial assistance to pursue education
  • Demonstrated leadership/community involvement activities
  • Letter of references/recommendations/support
  • Submission of personal essays on above required in application process
  • Completed full application

* Note:

This scholarship is renewable to a maximum of four years during which the applicant pursues CAFM studies. . Candidate will have to report and apply for renewal annually. There will be additional criteria for renewal:

  • Submission of marks/transcripts
  • A grade average of 65%
  • Continue to meet eligibility requirements as per above
  • Financial accounting of how previous award amount was used including receipts where necessary

CAFM One-Time

  • All Canadian resident Aboriginal students (First Nation/Inuit or Metis)
  • Committed to pursuing CAFM designation
  • Proof of full-time or part-time in Canadian university or college with enrollment in minimum of two AFM courses
  • No age limit, however priority may be given to youth
  • In need of financial assistance to pursue education
  • Demonstrated leadership/community involvement activities
  • Letter of references/recommendations/support
  • Submission of personal essays on above required in application process
  • Completed full application

Professional Development courses & conference

  • All Canadian resident Aboriginal students (First Nation/Inuit or Metis)
  • Reside and work in Aboriginal community/organization
  • Employed in a financial and/or management position
  • In need of financial assistance
  • AFOA member

Notification of Interest

AFOA is in the final stages of developing the application and screening process. Anyone interested in the Scholarship Program should contact Leanne Hunter at 1-866-722-2362 to put in a Notification of Interest.