Funding Support
There are many options to help youth wanting to attend CYL, but who may not have the means to do so.
These include specific funds and bursaries, as well as sponsorship support from co-operatives, credit unions, and community partners. Applications will be considered on a case-by-case, first come, first serve basis.
Learn more about these options and apply below!
Bernie Daly Memorial Fund
The Fund was established in 2009 in honour
of the late Bernie Daly, who served the co-operative sector for over 30 years. GROWMARK, Inc. and the Ontario FS Co-operatives created the fund to support the continued growth of the CYL program. Its main objective is to provide a long-term pool of resources to support youth who cannot participate in CYL, due to financial restraints or lack of sponsorship. The Fund is available to returning participants (i.e., those entering their second or third year of the program).
Guido Chezzi Bursary
The Guido Chezzi Bursary was created in 2015 by the Ontario Credit Union Foundation, to recognize the illustrious 55+ year career that Guido worked in the credit union sector and his commitment to youth and the program. It is open to first year CYL participants (i.e., youth aged 13 to 14 years who are interested in starting CYL as an Explorer). It is offered to teens wishing to attend the program who are not already partnered with a co-operative or credit union, with the goal of sending a new participant each year.
Dorothy Watson CYL Bursary
The Dorothy Watson CYL Bursary was created in 2019 by Central 1. On April 30, 2020 Central 1 and Alterna Savings & Credit Union announced that Dorothy Watson was the recipient of the 24th annual Gary Gillam award, which celebrates exemplary social responsibility and sustainability within the Canadian credit union system. As sponsors of the award, Central 1 and Alterna donated $2,500 towards the charity of Dorothy’s choice - and the Dorothy Watson Co-operative Young Leaders Bursary fund was born!