Canada Student Service Grant Program

July 2020 Update: We know there has been controversy regarding this program, and it was not full administered to get the funds into the hands of students. AUSU is a member of the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA), who has been calling on the government to scrap the Canada Student Service Grant and Reallocate $900 Million Into Stronger Supports for Post Secondary Students. You can read more about this here.

We know that the past few months have presented new challenges to nearly all facets of everyday life, and we continue to feel a deep gratitude for your perseverance. The struggles we have faced through the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the importance of working together to support one another. It is to this end that we are thrilled to share the Canada Student Service Grant (CSSG) program with you.

The Government of Canada has now launched the Canada Student Service Grant Program, which will support post-secondary students across Canada through grant-based contributions for qualifying volunteer work.

Student can be matched to volunteer opportunities in their community, and then will be for a one-time grant payment of between $1,000 and $5,000, depending how many hours they work. There are 20,000 opportunities available on the ‘I Want To Help’ portal as of June 2020, with a goal of 100,000 total opportunities being available over the course of the summer. 

Applicants can count hours accrued between June 25 and October 31. Applicants must register no later than August 21, 2020 to be eligible to receive the grant. Final grant applications must be submitted no later than November 6, 2020.

After you register, you will be invited to join volunteer training. Upon completion, student volunteers will begin service activities.  

Full details on the Canada Student Service Grant Program are available here. 

Who is eligible to participate in Canada Student Service Grant (CSSG) volunteer opportunities? 

• A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a student with refugee status. 
• Students who are enrolled in an accredited post-secondary institution in Spring/Summer and or Fall 2020, or recently graduated no earlier than December 2019. This includes part-time or full-time studies in pursuit of a degree, diploma or certificate at an accredited institution over a period of at least 12 weeks.  
• Applicants must be 30 years old or younger as of December 31st, 2020.
• All students who meet the above criteria will be eligible to apply for the grant upon successful completion of their CSSG volunteer opportunities. 

Who is eligible to receive the Canada Student Service Grant (CSSG)? 

Volunteer opportunities through the CSSG are open to applicants who meet the above criteria, and have completed the minimum number of volunteer hours.

$1,000 will be provided for each 100 hours completed, up to a maximum of $5,000 for 500 hours. Hours will be counted in 100-hour increments, meaning that a student who worked 150 hours will still only be eligible for $1,000.

Applicants are eligible for the Canada Student Service Grant even if they are:
▪ Receiving the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB);
▪ Or, if they are currently employed.

Applicants are ineligible for the Canada Student Service Grant if they are:
▪ Receiving, or have received at any time, the Canada Emergency Response
Benefit (CERB). Students will be required to attest that they have not
collected the CERB in their CSSG application.

All youth *(under 30) are eligible to participate in the Canada Student Service program as volunteer. However, those who have received the CERB will not be eligible for any Canada Student Service Grants.

Find out more and search for opportunities near you on the website here.