Frequently Asked Questions

The NOSM University Student Endowment Fund provides financial aid to NOSM University learners which assists in relieving some of the financial stress associated with the costs of pursuing a medical degree.

Bursaries may be named in memory of, or in honour of, a loved one or the donor:

A named endowed bursary is established with a minimum investment of $25,000. Interest earned on the capital will be used to pay out the annual award in perpetuity. Donors may add to their endowment at any time. A donor may contribute less than the $25,000 required for endowment, pledging to contribute more until the minimum amount is reached.

Endowed awards are paid out annually and must earn a minimum of one full year of interest prior to being disbursed.

A named non-endowed bursary may be established for purposes similar to an endowed fund except that the gifts do not live on in perpetuity. This is an annual minimum gift of $1,000 committed for five consecutive years. Non-endowed funds do not generate investment income and are totally distributed.

The NOSM University Student Endowment Fund is a growing endowment created from unrestricted bursary fund contributions in any denomination. Income from the fund will be dispersed annually through a financial aid process.

The NOSM University works with donors to establish the terms of reference named annual awards and endowments within policy guidelines.

It is important to NOSM University that donors receive lasting recognition for their generosity. Every gift is appreciated and really does make a difference. Donors will receive a personal “thank you” letter and charitable tax receipt. Depending upon the contribution and the wishes of the donor to receive public recognition, some other forms of acknowledgement could include: donor publications, the donor wall, and invitations to special events such as an awards evening. An Advancement professional working with the NOSM University fundraising team would be most appreciative of the opportunity to consult with donors to ensure gift recognition is appropriate and meaningful.

Pledging over a period of time, up to five years, is most welcome. This method often allows donors to give more generously than they may have originally thought possible. Pledges made now in honour of our current students will create a legacy for future students.

Graduating medical students could potentially face debt loads of over $200,000, with repayments to begin immediately in residency after undergraduate education is completed. The average first year income in residency is $55,000. The cost of servicing a debt of $100,000 is $14,000 a year, which works out to nearly half of their take home pay. One of our greatest concerns is that, based on fears of economic hardship, an ideal candidate for northern and rural practice could be discouraged from applying or decline our offer of acceptance or, once enrolled, withdraw from continuing studies. The University is appealing to donors for assistance in ensuring that accomplished students are given every opportunity for a bright future in northern medicine.

Your donation is receipted by NOSM University and designated into an account based on the funds purpose.

We are mindful that many individuals prefer that their gift be anonymous. We will certainly respect your wishes in this regard. Recognizing that anonymity may be different for each individual, Advancement staff will consult directly with you to establish the level of privacy that would be most appropriate.

Individuals making a charitable donation are eligible to receive a tax receipt for any donation above $20 from NOSM University. Our charitable registration is 86466 0352 RR0001.

Give in Person
Deliver your donation to:
NOSM University

West Campus
Lakehead University
955 Oliver Road
BSC Advancement Department
Thunder Bay ON P7B 5E1

East Campus 
Northern Ontario School of Medicine
935 Ramsey Lake Road
Sudbury ON P3E 2C6

Give By Phone
Make your confidential gift by Visa or MasterCard or Amex by calling 1-800-461-8777.

Give By Mail
Mail your cheque (made payable to NOSM University). Please do not send cash by mail.

West Campus

Advancement Office
Northern Ontario School of Medicine
955 Oliver Road
BSC Advancement Department
Thunder Bay ON P7B 5E1

East Campus

Advancement Office
Northern Ontario School of Medicine
935 Ramsey Lake Road.
Sudbury ON P3E 2C6