Frequently
Asked Questions
The BOMA Calgary Foundation’s mandate is to help support those who need help growing their careers in the industry through education, programming and financial assistance.
The BOMA Calgary Foundation is here to support your career growth in Calgary’s commercial real estate industry.
If you are on the fence about applying, just apply!
With just a few minutes of thoughtful action, you could be on the road to success toward growing your personal and professional development in Calgary’s commercial real estate!
Successful applicants will eloquently demonstrate their personal story – from arrival into the industry, goals for progression, and target role in advancement. A clear explanation of a plan for how funds will be used, and a timeline under which these goals will be achieved.
Remember, the selection committee is also human, so tell your story and make a case for why you are the most deserving!
Which Scholarship should I apply for?
At this time, there are two scholarship options to choose from. Please carefully choose one.
Fred W Edwards BOMA Foundation Leadership Award is generally more tailored toward professional designation, soft-skills training and leadership initiatives. These could include, but are not limited to, programs through: RECA, CPM, BOMI/RPA, CRM, CFM (IFMA), PMP, REDI, University Undergraduate or Graduate Studies (MBA or other), etc.
Bee-Clean Gurwinder Minhas Bursary for Building Operations is generally more tailored toward hard-skills that focus on efficiency, sustainability and expertise. These could include, but are not limited to, programs through: BOMI/RPA or SMA, CFM (IFMA), LEED, BOC, CSBO, Power Engineering or other functional training, etc.
Several successful past applicants have used the funds for things like tutoring, mentorship and leadership training, language skills (during exam prep). If you can make a case of how a little financial bump-up could boost your career, please consider applying!
Can I win the scholarship more than once?
Yes, absolutely!
A person can receive the scholarship more than one time. In fact, there are already several repeat recipients in the ranks!
However, each application should be original/unique from the last and should reflect a desire and/or action toward continued learning in a commercial real estate discipline.
Do I have to work at an owner/property management company to qualify for a scholarship?
No – Anyone supporting CRE is eligible.
Secondary and tertiary industries are absolutely supported – examples could include security, janitorial, engineering, HVAC, base-build or restoration construction, etc.
The Foundation is committed to supporting individuals pursuing or advancing their careers in Calgary’s commercial real estate industry, which includes those who are working in supporting/service roles.
If my company reimburses me for my continuing education, can I still quality for this and/or can it be used a bridge for any spending out-of-pocket?
Yes, absolutely. You can treat this award as a bridge until you are reimbursed following your successful course completion.
Repayment of any scholarship will not be required at any time.
Can I use the scholarship for leadership training, such as one-on-one career coaching or paid mentorship?
Yes!
Fortunately, the current offerings are not directly tied to a scholastic endeavor. Your path to success can come from many directions.
If you believe programs like this will improve your productivity, promotability/hireability (short or long-term), simply make a case around the purpose of this coaching and how it will grow your career in commercial real estate!
Can the scholarship to help pay for my broker license?
Yes, absolutely.
We understand everyone working in the commercial real estate industry has different professional goals.
The Foundation is here to support these goals however we can.
Can I use the scholarship to help me with personal struggles so I can maintain my employment?
If you can make a case for some additional financial support, the scholarship committee will evaluate all applications.
Some situations, requiring funding for things like covering emergency transportation costs, child health emergency, etc. are evaluated under a case-by-case basis, and are often reviewed under a slightly different lens.
The Foundation has the goal of supporting the industry at all levels – you have worked hard in your career so far, show us how we can help you!
Is there anything specific the scholarship will not pay for?
The purpose of this scholarship and bursary program is to help those in commercial real estate industry to better themselves and improve their careers.
If you can make a case for why and how your funds will be allocated, we want to help give you a leg-up in order to find the best version of you. Ultimately, if you can show us how your actions will help the industry grow, we’ll try to help.
What if I apply for the wrong award?
As there a several (limited) disbursements under each award, it is important to ensure your career goals align with the award to which you are applying.
The board will reserves the right to change which scholarship is awarded, based on availability of funds. However, preference for award will be given based on credentials and desired outcome by the applicant.
How long should my application be?
While some past applications have been brief and to the point, the board recommends going into a much (or as little) detail as necessary to convincingly portray your goals, ambitions and story of how additional funding will help change the course of your career trajectory.
There is no set minimum or limit of how long your application can/should be. Make sure to provide enough information to make a compelling argument for your application.