VCGS Annual Bursary Overview
Dear Community,
This year, the Vancouver Classical Guitar Society (VCGS) has allocated funds to support the artistic goals of local students and professionals committed to developing their craft. We hope to make this bursary a recurring feature of our annual programming.
For 2026, special consideration will be given to students and emerging professionals who plan to participate in or compete at the Northwest Guitar Festival, which will be held in Victoria, BC. Since the festival rotates locations each year, we wish to maximize this unique opportunity for local guitarists to attend a Canadian-hosted event while also supporting the Victoria Guitar Society in presenting an outstanding festival.
Purpose of the Bursary
Funds will be awarded to a select number of applicants pursuing guitar-specific goals. While the bursary is flexible and open-ended, we encourage projects that:
Contribute to an individual’s education, and/or
Provide a benefit to the broader community.
The award is designed as supplementary funding—to ease financial pressures in part, not in whole. The exact amount of support will depend on the VCGS budget and the number of applications received.
Examples of Eligible Projects
Travel or registration costs for competitions or examinations
Support for artistic projects (e.g., recordings, publications, research, or venue rentals for public events)
Education-related expenses (e.g., post-secondary tuition, audition travel costs, examination fees)
Examples of Ineligible Requests
Private lesson fees
Regular ongoing professional expenses (e.g., studio rentals, advertising, web hosting)
Instrument or equipment purchases (e.g., guitars, strings, microphones)
Eligibility
Open to all residents of the Vancouver Lower Mainland
No age or proficiency requirements
Application Requirements
Written Statement
Provide a short written explanation (maximum 750 words) describing who you are and how you would use the funds.
Maintain anonymity: refer to yourself in general terms (e.g., “I am a university student” or “I am preparing for the RCM Grade 8 exam”) rather than by name, teacher, or specific achievements.
Budget
Submit a simple budget outlining the overall costs of your project.
Indicate the specific amount of funding requested from VCGS, keeping in mind that awards are partial contributions only.
Submission Details
Email your application to info@vancouverguitar.org
Include your name, phone number, and email address at the top of your message. (but not the application written statement).
Use the subject line: “Bursary Application – [Your Name]”
Dates & Deadlines
Application Deadline: January 15
Award Announcements: Mid to late February
Selection Process & Award Details
VCGS will appoint an independent adjudicator from outside Vancouver to evaluate the applications.
Applications will be checked by VCGS for anonymity before review.
Award recipients and amounts ($100–$300) will be announced publicly in a VCGS newsletter and on our website.
Successful applicants must provide a brief written acknowledgment of thanks, which will be shared with the VCGS community.