The Engineering and Geoscience Education Foundation Inc. (EGEF) is a Canadian nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to supporting the education of students in the fields of engineering and geoscience. Established in 2004, the Foundation primarily focuses on providing financial assistance to engineering and geoscience students and educational institutions through scholarships, bursaries, capital acquisitions, and development of library facilities.

History

The Foundation was conceived following efforts in 2002 when Dr. Doug Ruth, then Dean of Engineering at the University of Manitoba, and Les Wardrop, founder of Wardrop Engineering, approached the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Manitoba (now Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba). Their aim was to seek financial and moral support for the University of Manitoba’s fundraising campaign for the new Engineering and Information Technology Complex. This initiative eventually led to the formal establishment of the Foundation in 2004.

Mission and Activities

EGEF’s mission is to advance education in engineering and geoscience by:

• Providing scholarships and bursaries to students,
• Offering financial support for capital acquisitions and educational infrastructure improvements,
• Supporting the development and enhancement of library facilities related to engineering and geoscience education.

The Foundation may also extend financial assistance to other charitable undertakings as determined by its board of directors.

Governance and Financial Stewardship

The Foundation is governed by a working board composed of engineers and geoscientists from the community. Since its inception through December 2023, only 5% of the Foundation’s expenditures have been allocated to administration and general operations, demonstrating a commitment to maximizing funds directed toward educational support.

Impact

By leveraging funds from donations and partnerships, the Engineering and Geoscience Education Foundation has supported numerous projects and educational programs that benefit engineering and geoscience students in Manitoba. The Foundation encourages members of the engineering and geoscience professions to contribute financially, with suggested donations to sustain its initiatives.

This article is based on information from the Engineering and Geoscience Education Foundation Inc.[2][3][1]