Bursaries and Funds
Learn more about the various bursaries available to you as a member of PSAC 901.
Hardship Bursary
The PSAC 901 Hardship Bursary is a program originally won in a 2022 Letter of Agreement with Queen’s University, which expired May, 2025. The Local now continues to run this crucial program completely independently, funded by our membership dues.
The Hardship Bursary is designed to alleviate the financial burdens of our members that are associated with unexpected costs and emergencies
Mental Health Bursary
The PSAC 901 Mental Health Bursary is a program originally won in a 2022 Letter of Agreement with Queen’s University, which expired May, 2025. The Local now continues to run this crucial program completely independently, funded by our membership dues. The Mental Health Bursary is designed to alleviate the financial burdens of our members that are associated with personal events and significant mental health difficulties.
Childcare Bursary
The childcare bursary is open to PSAC Local 901 members regardless of their gender, marital or immigration status. The bursary provides reimbursement for childcare expenses for the semester for which you are applying. It does not cover future expenses. Eligible childcare expenses include: daycare, before and after-school care, babysitting, and march break/ summer camps or programs. Eligible childcare expenses are not restricted to Canada.
Family Hardship Bursary
The PSAC 901 Family Hardship Bursary is open to all members in good standing with dependents. The bursary seeks to alleviate financial hardships related to unexpected and emergency circumstances. This bursary also includes financial support for administrative costs related to immigration, visas, and residency permits of members and their families.
Gender Affirmation Bursary
Recognizing that trans members of our union continue to face severe economic and social challenges in undergoing gender confirmation surgeries or procedures, and these challenges pose significant barriers to their well-being in the workplace and in the union, the Union will offer financial support to its capacity to offset these expenses.
The financial costs associated with gender affirmation cannot be tied down to a simplistic list. Thus, the Union holds an open definition of what constitutes gender affirmation. There is no predetermined list of eligible or ineligible expenses for reimbursement through this Gender Affirming Fund. The only requirement is that the cost(s) for which you are seeking reimbursement be associated with the processes of gender affirmation, which will remain expansive.
Mutual Aid Bursary
PSAC 901 is committed to furthering Mutual Aid as part of our practices in the Union. The 2025 strike demonstrated the value of collective support and solidarity and how it can be leveraged to form a movement where the community looks out for each other. In that spirit, PSAC 901 has created the Mutual Aid Bursary to continue to provide financial support throughout the year for member-led initiatives that provide mutual aid or hardship support.
Applicants are expected to submit a budget, timeline, and explanation of plans for carrying out the project (work done, advertising, demographic targeted, etc) at a monthly Stewards' Council meeting. Applications will be presented from the floor to give Stewards an opportunity to ask questions. Applicants are encouraged to submit their proposal in advance of the meeting. Stewards will vote on applications within the same meeting they are presented. All monetary decisions regarding Mutual Aid Bursaries lie exclusively with Stewards' Council. Questions? Please email treasurer.psac901@gmail.com