2025: Another Year of Extraordinary Opportunities

WHITEHORSE, YUKON – May 5th, 2025- The Yukon Foundation is pleased to announce the opening of its 2025 application portal, welcoming applications for an exceptional total of 130 scholarships and 34 project grants. The application window is now open until Friday, May 31st, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.

In 2024, the Yukon Foundation proudly distributed over $353,000 to support 165 students and 10 Yukon-based organizations. This year, the distributable income available is over double the amount from last year. This, of course, would not be possible without the extraordinary generosity from donors and the commitment of the Yukon Foundation’s volunteer team. 

“The Yukon Foundation thrives because of the incredible dedication of our volunteers, board members, and evaluators. Their time, insight, and care make our work possible—and impactful. We’re deeply grateful for their support.” 

Louise-Hélène Villeneuve, Executive Director

As the Foundation looks ahead to another year of impactful giving, it also takes pride in recognizing the growing number of funds established by Yukoners who are committed to supporting their communities.

Among the new funds introduced this year is the Lawrence Vano Fund, created to support Yukon students enrolled in post-secondary programs related to aquaculture or fisheries sciences. This fund reflects Mr. Vano’s lifelong connection to the land and water, and his belief in the importance of sustainable fisheries and the preservation of aquatic ecosystems.

“From the initial idea, so many people agreed this was a perfect way to honour Lawrence’s passion for Yukon River Salmon, our freshwater fisheries, and the many youth he mentored over the years. Thanks to these people’s contributions and the Yukon Foundation for facilitating this scholarship - we can now perpetuate his stewardship ethic while helping future Yukon scholars. Surely we will all benefit from this.” - Jake Duncan, Initial Donor

The Maria Ledergerber Naturalist Scholarship honours the life and legacy of Maria Ledergerber, a beloved Dawson City resident and lifelong advocate for the natural world. Maria dedicated much of her life to the study and protection of plants and animals that could not speak for themselves. This scholarship will support students pursuing studies in wildlife or ecological conservation, sustainable food systems, or natural history — fields that reflect Maria’s passion and purpose.

In addition, the Whitehorse Chapter #95 of the Order of the Eastern Star has established three distinct funds this year. These include a scholarship supporting students in the fields of health care, with a focus on cancer, heart, and stroke care; the Heart & Stroke Grant, which provides targeted funding for related health projects; and an annual contribution to Karen’s Room, a dedicated space at Whitehorse General Hospital that offers comfort and care for families facing medical emergencies. These funds are rooted in the OES’s longstanding commitment to community service and compassionate health care.

The Yukon Foundation looks forward to reviewing the hundreds of applications it receives from inspiring Yukoners and Yukon organizations! If you are interested in volunteering to review applications, please contact Danielle at admin@yukonfoundation.com. If you would like to learn more about leaving a legacy with the Yukon Foundation, please contact Louise-Hélène Villeneuve at support@yukonfoundation.com.

For more information about the scholarships, grants, and eligibility criteria — or to apply — visit www.yukonfoundation.com/apply.