Lambda Scholarship Foundation Canada is committed to growing, developing, and sustaining its mission through a comprehensive strategic plan for 2025–2030. This plan combines five core strategies with five interconnected drivers to build a stronger foundation, expand Lambda’s reach, and enhance its impact on 2SLGBTQIA+ and QTBIPOC communities.
Core Strategies & Drivers
1. People: Building Capacity Through Volunteerism and Staff Development
Core Driver: Governance and Risk Management
Lambda will build on its strong volunteer foundation while laying the groundwork for a small but highly effective staff team. Volunteer growth will be prioritized at the Board of Directors’ level through the formation of core volunteer committees reporting to the Board. These efforts will be complemented by enhanced governance practices, including the expansion of the Board of Directors and recruitment of members with diverse skills. Strengthened risk management frameworks will support sustainable growth and effective implementation of all initiatives.
2. Programs: Expanding Services to Empower Youth
Core Driver: Youth Voice
Lambda’s charitable purposes and CRA registration will expand to include a Youth Scholarship Application Mentorship Program. This program will recruit, train, and support volunteers who assist 2SLGBTQIA+ students in navigating the often complex and daunting process of applying for post-secondary scholarships and bursaries.
Youth Voice will be a cornerstone of this program. Youth volunteers will play leadership roles on the mentorship program committee, ensuring their perspectives shape the program’s development and implementation. Broader youth engagement initiatives, mentorship opportunities, and youth-led advisory committees will further elevate the voices of 2SLGBTQIA+ and QTBIPOC youth.
3. Partnerships: Strengthening Collaborations for Greater Impact
Core Driver: Geographic Influence
Lambda will establish and strengthen partnerships to solidify its leadership in providing equitable access to scholarships, education, and financial aid. Collaborations with youth-serving organizations will amplify youth voice, while funding partnerships with government, corporate, and private entities will sustain and expand Lambda’s impact.
In addition, Lambda plans to deepen its national reach, starting with a focus on British Columbia. Strong Board representation in the province and potential collaboration with the Vancouver Foundation as a donor-advised fund partner will enhance Lambda’s geographic influence and effectiveness across Canada.
4. Scholarship Expansion: Broadening Opportunities for 2SLGBTQIA+ Youth
Core Driver: Integration of Technology
Lambda will increase the number and diversity of scholarships available to 2SLGBTQIA+ youth. This includes expanding existing scholarships and introducing new opportunities tailored to different topics, geographic locations, educational institutions, and the unique needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities.
Cost-efficient technological solutions will support these efforts by streamlining operations and optimizing the application and review processes. By leveraging technology, Lambda will increase organizational effectiveness and ensure a seamless experience for applicants and stakeholders alike.
5. Financial Sustainability: Ensuring Long-Term Success
Core Driver: Policy, Procedure, and Process
To support initiatives like the Youth Scholarship Application Mentorship Program and expanded scholarships, Lambda will prioritize financial sustainability. Initial funding efforts will focus on grants, with additional revenue streams, including major gifts, corporate partnerships, and events, developed as the organization’s capacity grows.
These efforts will be underpinned by robust policies, procedures, and processes. Strengthened frameworks for governance, human resources, volunteer management, and risk management will ensure operational excellence and enable Lambda to achieve its strategic goals.
Final Thoughts
Through its 2025–2030 strategic plan, Lambda Scholarship Foundation Canada aims to transform its capacity to serve 2SLGBTQIA+ and QTBIPOC communities. By empowering youth, leveraging partnerships, and ensuring financial sustainability, Lambda will continue its mission to provide equitable access to education and opportunity across Canada.
