We would like to share with you, our Jilly Box community, a meaningful initiative that is happening in Fall 2021.
As some of you may know, we donate a portion of our proceeds from the Jilly Box sales to a charitable organization each quarter.
In the past we have supported the critical work of numerous non-profit organizations, this initiative directly targets the social issue of racial equity. The Jilly Box is determined to help create a more equitable and fair society and we know the important role education plays in achieving this vision.
We are pleased to establish an award fund to provide financial support and mentorship opportunities to underrepresented and marginalized students in pursuit of academic success.
The award will be open to Black and Indigenous and Students of Colour at Okanagan College.
With the goal of reaching $50,000 by the end of the Fall 2021 semester, the Jilly Box is making an initial donation of $15,000 and will match all donations up to a maximum of $10,000, enhancing the impact of each donor’s gift.
If together we can build a fund of $50,000, twenty underrepresented students will receive bursaries of $2,500 each which will help to ease some of their financial burdens as they pursue their educational endeavours. Not only did I want to share all of the details with you today but I also wanted to take this opportunity to answer a few questions you may have about The Jilly Award.
HOW MANY AWARDS WILL BE OFFERED?
$50,000 over 10 years: 2 awards per year at $2,500 per year = 20 Bursaries
WHAT IS THE SELECTION PROCESS?
Regarding eligibility: students who define themselves as BIPOC and who have diverse intersectionalities would be eligible to apply. Complete criteria details will be shared by Okanagan College later this year. Please stay tuned.
WHEN WILL THE AWARD BE AVAILABLE?
We are aiming for this award fund to be available as soon as Winter 2022!
IS THIS AWARD ONLY AVAILABLE FOR OKANAGAN COLLEGE STUDENTS?
Yes, you most definitely have to be enrolled as a student at Okanagan College to access this award.
HOW DO I MAKE A DONATION?
Anytime now until October 17, 2021
CAN I RECEIVE A TAX RECEIPT?
Yes. Donations of $25 or more will qualify for a charitable donation receipt from the Okanagan College Foundation.
DO BURSARIES LIKE THESE ACTUALLY HELP STUDENTS?
Absolutely! We’ve learned from talking with our friends at the Okanagan College Foundation that bursaries can make the difference between students successfully completing their program or having to drop out due to financial pressures. Bursaries help to pay for tuition and books, rent, childcare costs and other necessities of life.
ARE THESE AWARDS HARD TO OBTAIN?
The application process is straightforward. Students can apply through Okanagan College’s website and a team is available who can advise on the process and what is required.
Visit okanagan.bc.ca/awards to learn more!
Investing in a scholarship fund of this nature is a strategy we believe will help address the current inequities that exist in our society.
We will keep fundraising for this award fund in hopes that it will grow to become a self-sustaining fund that can grant additional and larger awards for years to come. It is my hope that many individuals and companies will be inspired to donate.
As always, thank you for supporting The Jilly Box Award and I look forward to making a difference with you!
XO
Jilly
Ps. If you want to learn more on why initiatives like this are important check out this article and other research by BCG and CivicAction.
