CFUW Muskoka Charitable Trust

The CFUW-Muskoka Charitable Trust provides bursaries for post-secondary education at a university or college to female graduating students from the four Muskoka high schools, and continuing education bursaries to female Georgian College students from Muskoka.  The Trust has been contributing to students’ education since 1994 and its formal objective is to encourage and support higher education for girls by establishing, funding and disbursing bursaries and awards annually for the benefit of qualified students.

In its first year, the Trust disbursed $200 bursaries to students from three Muskoka high schools, raising funds through book sales and donations from the membership of the club.  We have also been privileged to receive annual donations from the Muskoka Community Foundation – Lowden Family Fund, the Archdekin Trust, and individuals. The amount of the bursary has gradually increased, and in 2024 we gave $2,500 to students from each of the 4 high schools in Muskoka and Georgian College. 

The schools determine the selection of the bursary recipients, as they are aware of individual students’ needs.  We meet the students when they receive their bursary, and have been very impressed by the female recipients.

One of the important facets of the Trust is that it is maintained at “arm’s length” from the CFUW-Muskoka club who raise the funds.  The membership of the Trust executive is approved at the club’s Annual General Meeting and this executive meets to manage the Trust business.