A 2011 Update on the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Education Foundation

Many readers are familiar with The Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Education Foundation (RCSCEF), founded in 2007 with the objective “of funding scholarships for Sea Cadets entering their first year of post-secondary education”. The Foundation is an independent charitable organization, supporting the sea cadet scholarship program previously funded and administered by the Navy League of Canada (NLOC). Initial capitalization was provided by the NLOC, however the Foundation is solely responsible for maintaining its endowment at a level to meet the annual needs of the scholarship program through fundraising initiatives. The Foundation is fortunate in having a partnership with the Royal Canadian Naval Benevolent Fund (RCNBF), which matches the number of scholarships awarded annually by the Foundation.

The five member Board of Directors are Jake Freill, Vice-Chair, Ottawa: Dick Ratcliffe, Toronto; Richard Summers, Victoria: Roger Chiasson, Halifax and Tim Porter, Chair, Ottawa, plus a voluntary Secretary-Treasurer, James Clute, Ottawa and Tom Forbes, Royal Canadian Naval Bemevolent Fund Representative. Foundation administrative expenses are extremely small with each of the Board members freely volunteering their time and paying costs for any incidental expenses.

In 2008 and 2009 the Foundation awarded ten scholarships and increased the number to twelve in 2010. During that period, 32 matching scholarships were awarded by the RCNBF. This year twelve scholarships have already been awarded with another 12 matching scholarships from the RCNBF.

Our exciting news is that we have received notification from the Naval Officers Association of Canada (NOAC) Endowment Fund that $3,000.00 will be made available in November, to support three more scholarships. Given the matching arrangement with the RCNBF for another three, our grand total for 2011 then will be 30 scholarships at $1,000.00 each for sea cadets going on this year to post-secondary education.

Despite the success of the Foundation since its formation, it is still not fully able to meet the needs of all sea cadet applicants. This year in spite of the boost from the NOAC Endowment Fund we fell short by about 20 scholarships. We clearly see an increasing demand for assistance as the costs of tuition, accommodation and books continue to rise at an unprecedented rate.

Readers are encouraged to support The Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Education and The Royal Canadian Benevolent Fund in their important endeavours on behalf of these fine cadets. This can be easily done through a tax-free donation to Mr. James Clute, Secretary-Treasurer, RCSCEF - Unit 602, 1180 Ohio Street Ottawa K1H 8N5 (613-248-3396 or 613-863-1874) or by making an online donation at: www.canadianseacadetscholarships.ca.

There is also an opportunity to contribute on a monthly basis by using the United Way in your area. Simply complete the UW donation card by specifying Option C and writing in the Foundation’s Charity Registration number 82761 4413 RR001.

With thanks, The Board of Directors, RCSCEF 		 
 
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