Applications open for scholarships through the Grand River Conservation Foundation

The Grand River Conservation Foundation (GRCF) is offering two scholarships in 2025 for post-secondary students enrolled in an environmental field of study, including a one-time scholarship valued at $9,500 in celebration of GRCF supporter Murray McEwen’s 95th birthday.

The McEwen Clean Water Prize, with an award of $5,000, will support a student in their second, third or fourth year of a post-secondary program operating within the Grand River watershed that focuses on the protection, development and restoration of clean water resources. Preference will be given to full-time students who have attended programs at a Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) nature centre. To apply for the 2025 Murray McEwen Clean Water Prize Scholarship, please fill out the 2025 Murray McEwen Clean Water Prize Scholarship Application Form. The deadline for applications is Friday, July 11, 2025.

In celebration of Murray McEwen's 95th birthday, the McEwen family has donated $9,500 for the one-time Murray McEwen Clean Water Prize 95th Birthday Honorarium Scholarship. To apply for the 2025 Murray McEwen Birthday Honorarium Scholarship, please fill out the 2025 Murray McEwen Birthday Honorarium Scholarship Application Form. The deadline for applications is Friday, July 11, 2025.

These scholarships are both supported by Murray McEwen, a former GRCF board member and member of the Order of Canada. “My connection to the GRCA began as a Board Member at the Foundation,” says Murray McEwen. “We raised money to support projects, and I was very impressed with the scope of the work of the GRCA, and the impact. These scholarships support the college and university students who are finding solutions to environmental issues, such as the vital importance of ensuring the conservation of clean water in our world.” Applicants must demonstrate a strong interest in the protection, development and restoration of clean water resources and be enrolled in a program focused on long-term improvement of our environment. Programs could include environmental science, engineering, emerging technologies, First Nations water issues, governance and/or education. Preference is given to full time students who have attended programs at a GRCA Nature Centre. 

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Media Contacts:

Serena Catania, GRCA Supervisor of Communications and Marketing
Phone (519) 621-2763 x2240  |  Email scatania@grandriver.ca

Lisa Stocco, GRCA Director of Strategic Communications and Environmental Education
Phone 519-621-2763 x2316  |  Email lstocco@grandriver.ca