The Samuel W. Stedman Foundation was established in 1963 to support and encourage charitable and educational activities within Brantford and Brant County. Samuel Stedman had long been a generous supporter of many local charities and, in co-operation with the then Brantford Board of Education, offered bursaries to diligent and self-motivated students. The Foundation continues that work today, distributing Community Grants to local charitable organizations and providing Bursaries to students who pursue their undergraduate studies at a college or university in the province of Ontario.
About
amuel Stedman was a Brantford businessman who, with his brothers, founded the Stedman chain of variety stores which operated across Canada. Although he always remained active with Stedman Bros. Limited, he continued to live in Brantford and managed Stedman’s Bookstore Ltd. For a more detailed history of Mr. Stedman’s life and times, click here.
Before his death, he established the Samuel W. Stedman Foundation. Since the people of Brantford had supported him as a young man and given him an opportunity to succeed, he wished, in his turn, to pay that forward.
The Samuel W. Stedman Foundation provides grants annually to Brantford/Brant charitable organizations that are focused on children, the arts, health care, and education. The Foundation is proud to have made significant and valuable contributions that have impacted our community in many positive ways. Information on Community Grants.
In addition, some of the revenue from this Foundation is used each year to fund a bursary program, the aim of which is to help and encourage students to obtain the education and skills necessary to become contributing members of Canadian society. Information on School Bursaries.
Read more about the Life and Times of Samuel W. Stedman
Community Grant
The Samuel W. Stedman Foundation provides grants annually to Brantford/Brant charitable organizations. We primarily support local charitable organizations focused on children, the arts, health care, and education. We do not support religious or sports organizations.
Organizations wishing to be considered for a grant should apply online by September 15, ensuring that the following information has been included:
- a brief overview of the organization and its purpose.
- an outline of the project and for what the grant monies will be used.
- the dollar amount of the grant being requested.
- the organization’s registered charitable number.
- last year's financial statements.
Submit Your Community Grant Application
To make your application for a Community Grant, you MUST submit using the "Apply Now" button below.
Your application for a grant will not be accepted after the closing date of September 15.
School Bursary
The Samuel W. Stedman Foundation grants a limited number of bursaries to students of merit who are in financial need and from the City of Brantford or the County of Brant. These bursaries are open to students entering or attending undergraduate programs at post-secondary institutions. These bursaries will only be granted to those students who will attend a college or university situated in the province of Ontario that is OSAP eligible. The Foundation funds bursaries for undergraduate degrees and diploma programs up to a maximum of four (4) years.
Students wishing to make an application should apply online by April 30th each year.
Our website is currently being updated and Student Bursary Application Forms will be posted by March 1, 2026.