Apply for Scholarships

Application portal is now closed.

Will reopen in January, 2027

The CFUW Orillia Education Foundation provides scholarships to young and mature women from the Orillia area who will be pursuing post-secondary education in the fall. Special scholarships are also granted for other educational pursuits. 

Eligibility

  • Students must reside in the Orillia area and have attended:
    • Orillia Secondary School
    • Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School
    • Twin Lakes Secondary School
    • Simcoe Shores Secondary School – Orillia Campus
    • ESC-Nouvelle-Alliance
    • Ecole Secondaire Romeo-Dallaire
    • Orillia Learning Centre
  • Mature Students living in the Orillia area who are entering college or university in the fall can also apply.
  • Only applicants who are pursuing further education within the next 12-month period are eligible to apply.

The Fine Print

  • Those awarded a scholarship must pursue the educational pursuits outlined in their application within a 12-month period. Should circumstances change after acceptance of a scholarship and the student is not able to pursue intended courses, the recipient must contact the CFUW Orillia Education Foundation to arrange for an extension or return of the funds to help another student.
  • Those who are awarded a scholarship must report it as income on their income tax return. Therefore, to issue a T4A, the Education Foundation must collect personal information from recipients including your Social Insurance Number. This information must be provided before scholarships will be awarded.

For assistance at any time throughout this process, email cfuworilliascholarships@gmail.com, noting “Question re Scholarship Application” in the subject line.

Preparing to Apply

  • Applications and references must be in English and completed online. 
  • Create/use a Gmail address as some email addresses will not work
  • Handwritten applications and documents will not be accepted. 
  • Applications are reviewed by a committee and scholarships awarded to applicants who best qualify under the following criteria:
    • Academic ability
    • Integrity
    • Love of learning
    • Leadership
    • School and community involvement
    • Financial need

Please note the additional criteria specific to the scholarships listed below:

Frank H. Hori Charitable Foundation Scholarships
Preference will be given to female applicants of Japanese ancestry, Asian heritage or experience, or an interest in Asian studies. Applicants are asked to briefly describe how they meet these criteria in Section 5 of the application form.

Marlene Bulas Scholarship
Applicants enrolled in an art program will be considered for this award.

Please have the following ready when applying online as it must be uploaded with your application:

  • Two letters of reference
    • one academic
    • one personal (i.e., workplace, volunteer workplace, family friend, clergy but not a teacher or relative)
  • An official and most recent transcript of the applicant’s academic record to date must be included with the application.
  • A recent headshot or graduation photo

Applications

General Application

All applicants apply through this link unless seeking a special scholarship for other educational pursuits.

Special Requests

Under special circumstances the Foundation awards scholarships for other educational pursuits.

Email Now

Frank H. Hori Charitable Foundation Scholarships

Preference will be given to female applicants of Japanese ancestry, Asian heritage or experience, or an interest in Asian studies.

The late Frank H. Hori was born in Vancouver after his parents emigrated from Japan. During the Second World War, his family spent two years in an internment camp. After the family relocated to Toronto, Frank went to Montreal to attend McGill University from 1951 to 1954, studying business and accounting. With a strong business acumen, he owned a successful door manufacturing company, where he served as CFO.

Frank retired as a CFO of Premdor Inc. and vice chairman of Masonite International. In 1999, Frank established a foundation focused on preserving Japanese cultural heritage, creating opportunities for young people and enriching society.

Nan Farwell Memorial Scholarship

Applicants do not need to apply specifically to this scholarship as candidates will be considered from the general applications received on this website. 

Nan Farwell was a long-standing and dedicated member of CFUW Orillia.  She was a graduate of Queen’s University and taught Physical Education and other subjects with the Peel Board of Education.  Nan came to Orillia after retiring and joined CFUW Orillia.  She was an avid hiker and always volunteered for the club’s fund-raising events, particularly the Homes for Scholarships Tour and the annual garage sale.  She will be remembered for her contributions to the club and for her friendly nature and winning smile. She took specific interest in raising funds for scholarships to ensure that young women be given opportunities for education. 

Due to the generosity of Nan’s family, friends, and colleagues, an additional scholarship of $2500, in honour of Nan Farwell, will be awarded to deserving students each year for five years.

Marlene Bulas Scholarship

Candidates enrolled in an art program will be considered for this scholarship.

Marlene Bulas is a celebrated local artist and long-time member of CFUW Orillia. She received her education at York University and through the Georgian College Design and Visual Arts Program. Working in oil, acrylic, and watercolour, Marlene tells stories through her paintings, often infused with humour. Her whimsical style, uplifting themes, and masterful use of colour have earned her numerous awards. Bulas often says her paintings serve as a metaphor for “life’s journey.” She has shared, “I love to sketch and observe the local landscapes, villages, and everyday objects that make up our lives.” Through the generosity of Marlene Bulas and her family, a $2,000 scholarship will be awarded annually to a female student enrolled in an art program.