HGMC Chorus Member Bursary Program
In keeping with our value “We foster diversity by making the choir accessible and by creating a friendly, safe space where we can be ourselves” HGMC wants people to be able to participate in the Chorus even if they have limited financial resources. Members may request a bursary for support toward membership dues and/or toward the purchase of an HGMC vest (which forms part of our formal concert dress).
While the dues paid by members to belong to the Chorus are an essential part of the organization’s revenues, accommodation can be made to assist with the payment of dues. This can include modifying the payment schedule and providing financial support through the HGMC Bursary Program.
Chorus members can apply to the Bursary Program to receive up to 75% of their dues. This support can be provided for the fall term or for the winter/spring term.
Members can also apply to the Bursary Program to receive up to 50% of the purchase cost of a tartan vest. A bursary to purchase a vest will only be provided once.
HGMC understands that requesting support due to financial need may be difficult to do. Therefore, the names of applicants and recipients will be kept confidential. Applicants’ identity will be known only to the person who receives applications. Applications will be coded and then reviewed blindly by a two-member panel.
A link to the application form will be sent to new and returning members when they have completed their registration for the term. Completed applications must be received by HGMC for both returning and new members no later than the end of the first month of the term – that is September 30 for fall term and January 31 for winter/spring term.
Successful applicants will be informed of the decision within two weeks of each application deadline. The number and value of bursaries depend on the funds available in the Bursary. Chorus members applying for a bursary must have registered and paid the music deposit. A bursary is not provided in cash to the chorister but as a credit toward their term dues or the purchase cost of a vest.