Embark Mutual Aid Bursary
Embark Sustainability is a resource hub empowering SFU students on their sustainability journeys through dialogue and transformative action. Our mission is to create a hub that empowers and resources SFU students and allies in their sustainability journeys. We serve transformative communities by centring anti-oppression, decolonization, and equity in impactful programming, events, and initiatives. Through this work, we spark dialogue and drive action to dismantle oppressive frameworks within institutions and our interconnected climate and food systems.
About the Program
The Mutual Aid Bursary provides flexible, needs-based financial support to students facing financial hardship that affects their ability to meet basic needs or remain engaged in university life. Embark provides selected SFU undergraduate and graduate students with up to $100-500 of financial aid per semester, addressing their immediate needs.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Mutual Aid Bursary, students must be enrolled at SFU as an undergraduate or graduate student in the semester in which they are applying for funds, demonstrate financial or material need, and identify with one or more of the following:
- Low income
- International, migrant, and/or refugee status
- Racialized (Black, Indigenous, people of colour)
- Disabled and/or neurodivergent
- Two Spirit, trans, and/or queer
Students will also need to provide the following information:
- SFU Email
- SFU Confirmation of Enrolment for the current semester
- Full name for the cheque
- Full name for mailing address
- The funds requested and their basis of need
All applications are reviewed and approved by a selection committee based on demonstrated need and available funds.
Disqualifying Factors
- Receiving an Embark bursary in the same semester
- Incomplete application (e.g., missing proof of enrolment)
- Does not identify with one or more marginalized groups
Note: Applicants may be asked to provide supporting documentation (e.g., account balances or receipts) to verify need, process funding, or participate in a brief follow-up to support accountability and program learning.
Funding Process
Marginalized students can receive $100 – $500 through cheque each semester based on their needs. This allows students to receive support for barriers they may be facing, momentarily lightening their load while still attending university. Please note that funding is limited and subject to availability.
Disbursement
You will receive status updates about your application through your SFU email. Funding dispersal for selected applicants will take up to four weeks upon confirmation of success.
Intake Periods
Intake for applications is done on a semesterly basis, open on the first day of classes and closed after the last day of exams.
- Spring 2026: January 19 – April 25
- Summer 2026: May 11 – August 23
Note on Program Availability
As total funds are limited, this is not a guaranteed funding program in the long term and should not be relied upon as a sole source of support.
Students seeking additional food security support at SFU are encouraged to connect with the Simon Fraser Student Society.
Privacy, Data Protection, and Compliance
Applications are governed by BC’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) where data will be stored for up to five years. Applicants may request deletion of data at any time. Within applications, there will be a request for explicit consent collected for data storage, including potential storage outside Canada. No use of data beyond program administration and consented communications will take place.
Questions
If you have any questions about this fund or need support in completing the form, please reach out to us at info@embarksustainability.org.
To Apply
To apply, please review this page in full. You will need to provide all the information stated in the program’s eligibility criteria and complete the application form below by 11:59PM PDT on the last day of the current intake period on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Funding disbursement for successful applicants will take up to four weeks. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at info@embarksustainability.org.