Announcing the launch of the FP Canada Diversity in Action Scholarship as part of our 30th anniversary celebrations.

This scholarship aims to increase diversity in the financial planning profession by awarding up to $5,000 to five aspiring CFP® professionals and QAFP® professionals from underrepresented groups, giving them the opportunity to complete their education towards certification with the FP Canada Institute™.

“The launch of the FP Canada Diversity in Action Scholarship is a step toward building a profession where a multitude of perspectives are represented, which will help ensure that Canadians can access financial planning that meets their diverse needs. It’s an investment in five deserving future financial planners, the profession at large, and the financial well-being of Canadians.”

Tashia Batstone, President and CEO, FP Canada 

Building on our commitment to diversity

This annual scholarship is not only a part of our 30th anniversary activities, it reflects our commitment to our IMAGINE 2030 vision to help grow diversity within the financial planning profession and more clearly reflect Canada’s population. We support an industry that works in the public interest, is accessible, inclusive, and client-centric, relevant to Canadians from all walks of life.

This scholarship is one way we can proactively support the growth of a financial planning industry that is representative of the people who live, work and play in our diverse and vibrant country. It’s just another way we promote financial wellness for all Canadians.

"I think people genuinely want to see more individuals in our profession who look and think similar to themselves. Diversity and being able to truly empathize with different types of clients builds trust. Diversity fosters innovation and different ideas, it improves access and makes us more adaptable as a profession."

– Amish Gandhi, CFP,  RBC-Dominion Securities, Toronto, ON

 

Qualifications

The scholarship is open to women, racialized persons, Indigenous persons, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and persons with disabilities who can demonstrate a financial need.

Recipients can choose to enroll in any one of the following FP Canada Institute™ education programs:

  • CFP Certification Program
  • CFP Certification Program for Mutual Funds or Securities Licensed Representatives
  • QAFP Certification Program
  • QAFP Certification Program for Mutual Funds or Securities Licensed Representatives

Requirements

  • Applicants must provide two letters of recommendation – one personal and one professional or academic
  • Applicants must write an essay of no less than 500 words and no more than 1,000 words demonstrating their financial need and interest in pursuing a career in financial planning

Important dates and details

  • The deadline to apply for the scholarship is 5 PM EST on Monday, October 20th, 2025. Applications that are late or are incomplete will not be considered
  • Letters of reference cannot be from a family member
  • Applicants must have completed a postsecondary degree or diploma or be in their final year of a postsecondary program
  • The scholarship does not include exam fees, certification application fees or annual certification fees
  • Winners will be required to start their chosen program within one year of the scholarship being awarded
  • Winners are to be announced on Monday, November 3rd, 2025

Scholarship winners will also take part in a marketing campaign to celebrate their accomplishment. Potential promotions include press releases, social media, interviews, photographs, and blog posts.

Kali Cortus QAFP. She is blonde and wearing a black sleeveless mockneck

“The financial planning profession is a great career choice. For women, for everyone, it gives you the freedom to make a difference anywhere you live. There is a very real need across Canada for what we do. People are more aware of the financial planning profession now and there is more demand. It's the best choice I could have made AND I get to go home for lunch whenever I like.”

– Kali Cortus, QAFP, Sun Life Canada, Tisdale, SK

 

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A Day in the Life

 

Wonder what a day in the life of a professional financial planner looks like?
There are many types of opportunities in professional financial planning, which is why no two careers look exactly alike. 

 

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