The Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) is an organization that promotes education to raise the status of women locally, nationally and internationally. Our vision and mission is to empower women economically and socially through education. CFUW Saskatchewan Council is affiliated with our national body, the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW-Canada) - a non-partisan, non-profit, self-funded bilingual organization with members in all Canadian provinces.
CFUW Saskatchewan Council is offering financial assistance to a woman who is committed to furthering her education in the pursuit of advancing her career. The “New Beginnings” grant of $5,000 will be awarded to a woman who can effectively demonstrate that she has been held back from her career goals by her current level of education and lack of financial resources and who is determined to advance her education to reach her goals.
The successful applicant is a resident of Saskatchewan, has reached the age of 21, and has been accepted into a program at an educational institution. Completion of high school at a community college will be considered, or enrolment in a certificate or diploma program.
Applications are now closed.
Gerlinde Sarkar, CFUW SK Council Chairperson and CFUW-Saskatoon President with Holli Ironstand, New Beginnings Grant recipient in 2024-25.
CFUW Saskatchewan Council Executive Members: Dalelene Yelland, Gerlinde Sarkar, Holli Ironstand (grant recipient), Jeffie Anderson, and Barb Gustafson
Gerlinde Sarkar, CFUW Saskatchewan Council Chairperson & CFUW Saskatoon President with Jessica Falcon, New Beginnings Grant recipient in 2023.
CFUW Saskatchewan Council Executive Members: Gerlinde Sarkar, Alverta Polson, Bilkies McKen, Jessica Falcon (grant recipient), Barb Gustafson and Dalelene Yelland.
The Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) Saskatchewan Council, comprised of CFUW-Saskatoon, CFUW-Prince Albert, CFUW-Yorkton, and Regina online members, established the New Beginnings Grant of $5,000 in Fall 2023. The New Beginnings Grant aims to help a woman create a new beginning for herself and her family by overcoming challenges through the power of education.
CFUW Saskatchewan Council is pleased to announce that Holli Ironstand is the second recipient of this annual grant. Holli lives in The Battlefords with her five-year-old daughter. She is a student in the Mental Health and Addictions Counselling Diploma Program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic which offers a combination of online and in-person learning that is appreciated by adult students in rural regions with families to support. Holli looks forward to graduation in June, 2025, and employment in that field. Experiencing struggles with anxiety and depression, Holli recognizes and appreciates the value of support. Her choice of study reflects her intent to offer this crucial support to others in need. Her ultimate goal is to attain a Bachelor of Social Work Degree and work in trauma care and/or postpartum mental health.
CFUW Saskatchewan Council is pleased to announce that Jessica Falcon, a resident of Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, is the first recipient of the annual grant. Surmounting many challenges in her life and having an incomplete high-school education, Jessica pursued adult education to attain the Adult 12 credential. In 2022, she was accepted into the Mental Health & Addictions Counselling Diploma Program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Saskatoon Campus. Jessica cares not only for her children but also has guardianship of three children of relatives who struggled with addictions and mental health and were unable to provide care. Jessica expressed her aspirations in her grant application, stating that she “wants to show my daughters what it looks like to be a strong Metis woman. I want to do better by my parents and family and show that there is a better way of life and the reward of education and growth.”
The New Beginnings Grant is eligible to women aged 21 years or older who are Saskatchewan residents, have primary financial responsibility for themselves and their dependents, have financial need, and have been accepted into an educational program. For more information regarding the grant, send inquiries to cfuwsaskcouncil@gmail.com.
CFUW is a non-partisan, self-funded organization with 90 clubs across Canada and over 6,600 members. Since the founding of CFUW in 1919, our mission has been to achieve educational and economic equality and social justice through continuous learning and empowerment. Our vision is that women and girls are educated and empowered to make transformative change in the world. In Saskatchewan, there are CFUW local clubs in Saskatoon, Prince Albert, and Yorkton with members throughout the province.