The Cliff Bennett Nature Bursary is offered annually to assist students who will pursue post-secondary studies in a field related to the natural environment.
One or more bursaries of $1000 will be awarded each year to students from our area.
Information on the bursary awards program is usually updated in the Fall, so students are aware and can consider the awards as they begin to complete applications for post-graduate study after high school. The application deadline is May 1. Recipients are generally announced at MVFN’s Members’ Night Meeting in mid-May.
The Bursary is named for Cliff Bennett, a founding member of the MVFN. It was established in 2007 by Cliff’s many friends on his 75th birthday, to honour, with a legacy, his lifelong contribution to nature education. To date over $25,000 has been awarded to 32 students in our area who have gone on to studies at colleges and universities across the country.
To be eligible, a student must
- Enter a program related to the natural environment at a Canadian post-secondary institution (college, university, or technical institute) in the next academic year.
- Currently live in Lanark County or West Carleton Ward or attend a school located in these regions or confirm MVFN membership.
- Submit a complete Bursary application package by May 1, 2025.
The Committee will consider an applicant’s appreciation and experience in issues related to the natural environment. Previous recipients have demonstrated and actively promoted environmental awareness through school projects and volunteering in their communities. Complete selection criteria are provided on the application.
Past winners of the Cliff Bennett Nature Bursary Award have pursued post-secondary studies in ecosystem and resource management, environmental sciences and engineering, marine biology, and zoology. Others have followed their passion in environmental stewardship by studying fish and wildlife management or biotechnology.
Application forms are available from student service offices at area high schools, or here at mvfn.ca.
