January 13, 2026
More funding for students and community projects
LO’s Ottawa Chapter, Muskoka North Chapter and Landscape Designers Sector Group have all allocated new funds to support students and local community projects in 2026.
The new funding builds on existing support offered by other chapters and initiatives. Below is a summary of both new and existing funding available through LO.
The scholarship falls under the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation’s annual scholarship program in memory of Val Kirschner, a dedicated and influential member of Ottawa Chapter, whose commitment to excellence and community empowerment left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of working with him.
Scholarships will be presented during Ottawa Chapter’s Awards of Distinction event at Green Trade Expo on March 3, 2026.
For full requirements and a link to apply, visit gfl.me/hbWU.
Students or organizations may apply for funding at any time through the LO website at gfl.me/hbX8.
This support for the next generation of certified design professionals provides a one-time, $325 award per recipient to cover the cost of the CLD examination fee.
Applicants must meet the various criteria and complete a funding application by March 31, 2026.
Full details are available online at gfl.me/hbWm.
Funding applications will open in early 2026 for projects that help enhance physical, mental and spiritual wellness, offer habitat for pollinators or wildlife, or provide education or support to garden-related ventures.
For a full list of criteria and an online application, visit gfl.me/hbLm.
• $1,000 available to full-time students enrolled in Level 4 of the Landscape Design Program at Fanshawe College.
• Rob Tester Scholarship: up to $1,000 available to registered apprentices and all post-secondary students employed by a Waterloo Chapter member company.
• Lisa Purves-Smith Scholarship: $1,000
• Esmonde-White Scholarship: $1,000
Check the Landscape Ontario Chapter Scholarships section at ohtf.ca/scholarships for eligibility, available funds and application requirements for each scholarship. Scholarship applications typically open in spring with a deadline of June 30 unless noted otherwise.
The new funding builds on existing support offered by other chapters and initiatives. Below is a summary of both new and existing funding available through LO.
Ottawa’s Val Kirschner Award
Ottawa Chapter recently announced a new $1,000 scholarship available to up to five deserving students enrolled in the Horticulture Industries Program at Algonquin College. Eligible students must reside within the Chapter’s geographic boundary and provide a brief cover letter and resume by Jan. 31, 2026.The scholarship falls under the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation’s annual scholarship program in memory of Val Kirschner, a dedicated and influential member of Ottawa Chapter, whose commitment to excellence and community empowerment left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of working with him.
Scholarships will be presented during Ottawa Chapter’s Awards of Distinction event at Green Trade Expo on March 3, 2026.
For full requirements and a link to apply, visit gfl.me/hbWU.
Muskoka North Chapter Bursary Program
Starting in 2026, LO’s newest Chapter has allocated up to $5,000 in bursary funds each year aimed at providing financial support to students and community organizations within the Muskoka region who contribute to the growth, education and advancement of the landscape industry.Students or organizations may apply for funding at any time through the LO website at gfl.me/hbX8.
Ontario Student CLD Bursary Program
The Landscape Designers Sector Group has dedicated $3,000 annually to support the cost of the Certified Landscape Designer (CLD) examination for graduating students or recent post-secondary graduates from a landscape design or related program within Ontario.This support for the next generation of certified design professionals provides a one-time, $325 award per recipient to cover the cost of the CLD examination fee.
Applicants must meet the various criteria and complete a funding application by March 31, 2026.
Full details are available online at gfl.me/hbWm.
Toronto Chapter Bursary Program
For nearly a decade, Toronto Chapter has awarded over $10,000 each year to local community greening projects and initiatives across the GTA. Organizations and groups can apply for a grant of up to $1,500 for projects that benefit various communities and neighbourhoods.Funding applications will open in early 2026 for projects that help enhance physical, mental and spiritual wellness, offer habitat for pollinators or wildlife, or provide education or support to garden-related ventures.
For a full list of criteria and an online application, visit gfl.me/hbLm.
London Chapter scholarships
• $1,000 available to full-time students enrolled in Level 2 of the Horticulture Technician Program at Fanshawe College.• $1,000 available to full-time students enrolled in Level 4 of the Landscape Design Program at Fanshawe College.
Waterloo Chapter scholarships
• Dave Wright Scholarship: $2,000 available to registered apprentices and all post-secondary students.• Rob Tester Scholarship: up to $1,000 available to registered apprentices and all post-secondary students employed by a Waterloo Chapter member company.
Upper Canada Chapter scholarships
• Dan Clost Scholarship: $1,000• Lisa Purves-Smith Scholarship: $1,000
• Esmonde-White Scholarship: $1,000
Check the Landscape Ontario Chapter Scholarships section at ohtf.ca/scholarships for eligibility, available funds and application requirements for each scholarship. Scholarship applications typically open in spring with a deadline of June 30 unless noted otherwise.