Grants available to staff

Staff Enhancement Grant

The Staff Enhancement Grant covers costs associated with the pursuit of personal development undertaken by UWSA staff members.

All UWSA members are eligible to apply for a SEG. Preference may be given to individuals who have not previously received the grant. The grant will not supplement or replace routine departmental training unit development costs and responsibilities, or personal vacation. The amount of each grant is up to $500.00.

Application deadline dates:

  • June 1
  • December 1

Staff Excellence Fund

Under the Staff Excellence Fund, $250,000 is allocated annually to fund speakers, service recognition, engagement and leadership development, and healthy workplace initiatives. 

In order to give staff input into how to allocate the Healthy Workplace Initiatives and the Engagement and Leadership Development initiative, PACSC delegated responsibility for generating and reviewing funding proposals to the UWSA. 

Please review the SEF fund guidelines (PDF) and submit your online application form.


Scholarships available to students

The UWSA provides several awards each year to full- or part-time undergraduate or graduate students at the University of Waterloo who are affiliated with the UW Staff Association (UWSA):

  • $1000 awards for recipients who receive the UW tuition benefit of 50% or less (Policy 24) or who do not qualify for tuition benefits at all.
  • $500 awards for recipients who receive the UW tuition benefit of 100% (Policy 4).

Awards are distributed equitably among graduate and undergraduate students based on enrolment and/or award application numbers, up to a total of $10,000.

Who is eligible?

The award is open to undergraduate and graduate students (full- or part-time) enrolled in a degree program at the University of Waterloo who:

  • Are a current member of the UWSA, or be a child, spouse, grandchild, or dependent of a current UWSA member
  • Are in good academic standing (minimum 70% cumulative average)
  • have demonstrated involvement in extracurricular and/or volunteer activities either on-campus or within the community

Normally candidates may not hold another major award or scholarship for the same application period, i.e., $5,000 at the graduate level and $2,000 at the undergraduate level.

Recipients may re-apply in subsequent years, though preference will be given to candidates who have not previously received this award

When and how do I apply?

There is one application deadline annually: November 15. Please complete the online award application to apply.

Applications and awards are processed by UW Student Awards. 


Johnson Inc. Scholarships

The Johnson Inc. Academic Scholarships were established in 1998 by Paul J. Johnson and members of Johnson’s Corporate Leadership Team. Johnson has awarded 100 Scholarships annually since that date.

Each award is valued at $1,000. Canadian students who are graduating high school and pursuing post-secondary education in Canada may apply. There is one deadline in July of each year.

For more information, visit the Johnson Insurance website or call 1-877-328-7878.