Haven Foundation Financial Aid Information Pack 2009

Thanks to the generosity of many donors, The Haven Foundation has granted over $250,000 in financial aid to more than 240 adults and children since 2004. We believe that The Haven's programs offer life-enriching experiences, and we seek to offer support for those who may be prevented from participating due to a lack of financial resources.

Each application for financial aid is treated confidentially and considered with care and respect. The funds for our financial aid program come exclusively from donors and are limited, so we are not able to assist everyone who applies.

 

Please take the time to thoroughly read this information before filling out your application.

 

1.       DEFINITIONS

Bursary – funding to cover a program, and also possibly meals and accommodation, which is not paid back to The Haven. A bursary typically covers up to 80% of the costs associated with a program. This Bursary is considered ‘income’ by Canada Revenue Agency so you will be issued a T4A at year end for your tax filing purposes.

Loan – an interest free loan which typically covers up to 80% of a program, and also possibly meals and accommodation, which is paid back to The Haven in agreed monthly installments (see point 4 below).

Financial aid is not provided in cash – a bursary or loan is a credit towards tuition, accommodation and/or meals.

2.       ELIGIBILITY

Eligibility is determined on financial and personal needs – if you meet the financial eligibility criteria, your application will be further evaluated on personal need.

3.       DEADLINE

The Bursary Manager must receive your completed application one calendar month before the start date of the program. The Bursary Manager will contact any applicant submitting a form after the deadline to advise of the next available program for which a bursary or loan may be available.

The Bursary Manager will contact you two weeks before the start date of the program to inform you if your application has been successful.

4.       REPAYMENT SCHEDULE FOR LOANS

We prefer that any loan is repaid within six months of the start date of the program and repayments are no less than $150 dollars per month.

5.       PROGRAMS

We provide most of our financial aid for our Come Alive and Phase I and II programs. Depending on individual circumstances, we provide financial aid for the whole 25 days of a Phase program, or for parts A or B. Applications for financial aid for other programs are approved on a case-by-case basis and may cover 50% of tuition fees only.

6.       RESTRICTIONS

·         We restrict financial aid applications for Come Alive and Phase I and II programs to a maximum of 80% of the tuition fee (and accommodation and meal costs if required). Applications for financial aid for other programs are approved on a case-by-case basis and may cover 50% of tuition fees only. All remaining costs are covered by the financial aid recipient. We believe that by making a personal investment, the recipient's level of commitment and participation is greatly enhanced. Financial aid for 100% of costs is only considered in cases of extreme financial hardship. All applications are subject to the availability of funding.

·         We normally restrict applicants to one bursary or loan award within a calendar year (subject to eligibility and availability of funding). There is one exception to this restriction. If you wish to apply for a bursary or loan for Phase I or Phase I part A in the same calendar year as you have received financial aid for a Come Alive, we will accept a second application for financial aid. This application will go through the normal approval procedure and will be subject to eligibility and availability of funding. In subsequent years, preference may be given to those individuals who have not previously received a bursary or loan through Haven Foundation Financial Aid.

·         We do not provide financial assistance for travel costs, or any other costs associated with traveling to and from The Haven.

·         Financial aid is not transferable between programs. Financial Aid is provided for the program that you have indicated in Part 1 of this form – if you are granted a bursary or loan and cannot use it for whatever reason, you will need to reapply for financial aid for any program in the future.

7.       PRIORITIES

Whilst all applications will be considered, priority will be given to providing support to applicants in severe financial and emotional need. All applications are subject to the availability of funding.

8.       GUIDELINES

Please follow these guidelines to ensure that your application is processed correctly:

·         Answer all questions fully and completely.

·         Write legibly – typewritten submissions are preferable (but not essential)

·         Make sure the application is complete and you have included all additional information – e.g. financial information (tax returns, bank statements (if applicable) – see part 3), written letters of personal and financial references (see part 4).

·         Make sure that the Bursary Manager receives your application no later than one calendar month before the start date of the program.

·         The more information you provide, the easier it is for us to assess your application.