Catholic Charities Award and Scholarship Applications Now Open

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto (CCAT) are now accepting applications for a full array of scholarships and nominations for their Community Service Awards. Last year, 5 new scholarships were developed to support learners from diverse backgrounds and capacities, including newcomers and people seeking refuge in Canada, outstanding and dedicated youth, and adults seeking to gain a degree or diploma or augment their skills in the services sector education such as in social work, community development, disability studies, and social services.

Along with the Fr. Paul Lennon/Doreen Cullen Social Work Scholarship, CCAT are now granting scholarships of up to $5,000 each to recipients living, studying, or working within the Archdiocese of Toronto who come from one of four new categories:

• Cardinal Thomas Collins Palliative Care and Gerontology Scholarship will be awarded to one recipient.
• The Indigenous Community Youth Leadership Scholarship will be awarded to one recipient.
• The Lifelong Learner Scholarship will be awarded to one recipient.
• The Sisters of Service Scholarship will be awarded to two recipients, who are new immigrants or refugees.

In addition, the Michael Fullan Community Service Awards will be given annually to recognize achievement in the human services sector and meaningful service to a local community within the Archdiocese of Toronto. The pool of those eligible for nomination will include both paid staff and volunteers. Nominations can be made by anyone familiar with the candidate’s record.

Recipients will receive an award of $1,000, as well as a certificate signed by the Archbishop of Toronto and the Executive Director of Catholic Charities. Nominees will come from three categories:

• Individuals with more than 10 years of experience in the human services sector who have made an outstanding contribution to that sector or in a local community;
• A child, youth, or young adult up to the age of 29 who has shown commitment to serve a local community and who has had a positive impact on the community’s wellbeing;
• Individuals who have made an exceptional difference to a minority community.

Additional details on all scholarships and awards, including the application criteria can be found on the CCAT website. Submission deadline for all scholarships and awards is April 30, 2024.