Scholarship & Grant Applications

 The Stephen Pax Trust welcomes applications from individuals and communities in genuine need of assistance, in keeping with our mission to serve through faith, compassion, and opportunity.

Eligibility varies slightly depending on the nature of support sought, but in general, applicants should meet the following guidelines:

1. Citizenship
Applicants must be citizens of Canada or eligible countries, with priority given to those from developing nations as defined by the United Nations Human Development Index (UN-HDI).

2. Academic Admission
Applicants must have secured admission to a recognized and accredited institution of learning — such as a university, college, or technical training institute — prior to applying for the scholarship.

3. Academic Aptitude
Candidates should demonstrate strong academic performance and intellectual potential, supported by recent transcripts or academic records.

4. Leadership and Character
We seek applicants who display leadership potential and a commitment to ethical, transformative action — individuals who inspire others and strive to create positive, lasting change in their communities or countries.

5. Barriers to Education
This program supports high-achieving individuals who have faced significant challenges in accessing education, including economic hardship, social or political constraints, family or health-related difficulties, or geographic isolation.

6. Commitment to Service
Applicants should demonstrate dedication to giving back, through volunteer work, community leadership, mentorship, or civic engagement — reflecting the Trust’s belief that education is both a gift and a responsibility to serve others.

Before Applying please ensure that you:

• Are a citizen of an approved country.
   
• Have official admission to a recognized public or private institution.
   
• Are not currently receiving another government or external scholarship.
   
• Can demonstrate both financial need and academic merit through supporting documentation.
   

The scholarship may support students enrolled in:

• Licensed elementary and secondary schools (public or private)
   
• Accredited universities and colleges (public or private)
   
• Recognized technical and vocational training institutions
   
• Accredited community colleges
   
• Approved colleges of education
   
• Other legally accredited institutions of learning
   

Application Process

Check Your Eligibility: Review the criteria listed above to ensure you qualify.
 

Prepare Your Documents: Include your application cover letter, proof of admission, valid identification, and the supporting application form downloaded from this page.
 

Submit Your Application: Send all required documents through the Trust’s official submission portal or designated contact channel.
 

Interview Process: Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview or further verification.
 

1. Organizational Status
Applicants must:

• Be a registered non-profit organization, NGO, or community governing body with legal standing in their country.
   
• Operate within an approved country, with priority given to organizations in Canada or developing nations as defined by the United Nations Human Development Index (UN-HDI).
   

2. Mission Alignment
Applicants must demonstrate clear alignment with the Trust’s mission to serve the poor, support education, and uplift marginalized communities through compassion and sustainability.

Projects should focus on one or more of the following areas:

• School construction or educational development
   
• Literacy and teacher-training programs
   
• Orphanage support and child welfare
   
• Nutrition and school-meal programs
   
• Community health and wellbeing initiatives
   
• Women’s empowerment and widows’ livelihood programs
   

3. Organizational Capacity
Organizations must:

• Have a governing structure (e.g., board of trustees or directors) and demonstrate the capacity to manage funds responsibly.
   
• Maintain transparent financial practices and provide regular reporting on prior or ongoing projects.
   
• Show evidence of community engagement or local partnerships.
   

4. Demonstrated Need
Organizations should:

• Operate in a region or community facing educational, economic, or social disadvantage.
   
• Clearly demonstrate how the proposed project addresses local challenges and contributes to measurable, sustainable improvement.
   

5. Non-duplication of Funding
Organizations must not currently receive equivalent funding for the same project from another major donor or government body.

Grant Coverage

Development Grants may provide partial or full funding for approved projects, including:

• School construction, rehabilitation, or furnishing
   
• Community-based literacy or health-education programs
   
• Equipment, materials, or technology for accredited institutions
   
• Training and capacity-building workshops
   
• Nutrition and child-welfare programs
   
• Sustainable livelihood initiatives aligned with the Trust’s charitable goals
   

Application Process

Confirm Eligibility: Review the above requirements carefully to ensure your organization qualifies.
 

Prepare and Submit a Proposal: Include the following in your submission:
 

• Letter of Intent outlining your organization’s mission, history, and leadership.
   
• Detailed project proposal, including objectives, implementation plan, budget, and expected outcomes.
   
• Proof of legal registration and a recent financial statement or annual report.
   
• Letters of support or endorsement from community or faith leaders (optional but recommended).
   

Review and Interview: Shortlisted organizations will be invited to an interview or consultation meeting (virtual or in person) for further discussion and due diligence.
 

Grant Award and Reporting: Successful applicants will receive formal notification of funding and must agree to provide basic progress reporting on the use and impact of grant funds.