Social Work Scholarship

Dear Social Work Colleagues,

As we approach the holiday season, we are reminded of the power of community and the profound impact we can have when we come together to support one another. At King’s School of Social Work, we are deeply committed to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive—academically, professionally, and personally. Today, we’re reaching out to ask for your support to make this commitment a reality for our students. The challenges facing our students have grown significantly since many of us journeyed through our social work programs, including:

  • Rising inflation and higher costs of living are making it increasingly difficult for students to afford essentials like food, housing, and transportation.
  • Provincial and federal funding cuts have reduced the resources available to help students succeed. Did you know that OSAP funding hasn’t increased in over a decade?!
  • Housing and food insecurity are now harsh realities for many of our students, creating additional barriers to their education. Many of our students are also caregivers themselves, which further exacerbates the stress of making ends meet, while completing a very demanding program.
  • Decreases in provincial scholarships and awards, such as the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS), have left fewer opportunities for financial support, particularly for those from equity-seeking communities.
  • Unforeseen personal crises often disrupt students’ academic journeys, making flexible financial aid even more critical.

These are extraordinary challenges - but we are also an extraordinary community. Social workers understand the value of collective care and the importance of supporting one another.

This year, we are launching a special campaign to raise funds for the Social Work Scholarship Fund for Equity-Denied Students.

Donate

By donating to the Social Work Scholarship Fund for Equity-Denied Students, you will:

  • Empower the next generation of social workers to pursue their education and fulfill their mission of creating meaningful change.
  • Reduce systemic barriers for students from equity-seeking communities, helping them access the opportunities they deserve.
  • Reaffirm the values of the social work profession, including equity, justice, and mutual support.

Every dollar you give will go directly to the scholarship fund—with no administration fees deducted—ensuring that your generosity has its full impact.

In addition, thanks to the incredible generosity of an anonymous donor, every donation will be matched up to $25,000, doubling the impact of your gift.

This is more than a donation - it’s a statement of solidarity. It’s our chance, as a community of social workers and alumni, to show that we stand together in times of need and invest in the future of our profession.

How to Donate

Making a contribution is easy. Simply donate here or contact foundation@kings.uwo.ca.

Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to our goal and makes a profound difference in the lives of our students. Donations over $10 will receive a tax receipt sent via email.

Thank you for being a vital part of our social work community and for your unwavering commitment to the values of social justice, equity, and compassion. Together, we can ensure that no student is left behind and that our profession continues to lead the way in creating a fairer, more equitable world.

Warm holiday wishes,

Laura Béres, MSW, RSW, MA, PhD (she/her)
Professor, Interim Director and Graduate Chair
School of Social Work
King’s University College at Western University