Third Sector Partnerships
Consistent with Saltire Foundation Canada’s ethos and philosophy, and following our successful partnership with Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation in 2026, we are extending invitations to Canadian registered charities and not-for profits in Canada to apply for a Saltire Scholar intern for summer 2027, costs of which will be borne fully by SFC.
Who Should Apply?
Ideal respondents include:
Registered Canadian charities or non-profit organizations in or near a major Canadian city that can host a student in the office on a hybrid basis with the capacity to provide a meaningful experience.
Organizations with summer-based projects where university students could develop skills and contribute meaningfully to the organization.
Organizations that can offer a Saltire Scholar a rewarding experience and advance the program’s goals.
Scope of Work
The selected partner organization will:
Collaborate with Entrepreneurial Scotland on the recruitment process, which includes standardized testing and evaluation of students, and support the onboarding of the selected intern.
Develop or implement a structured and meaningful internship experience that is aligned with your organizational needs.
Monitor the intern’s progress and provide a brief final report on outcomes.
Saltire Foundation Canada will:
Assign a dedicated account manager to support your organization throughout the internship.
Cover the full cost of $17,500 for the 10 weeks.
Provide ongoing guidance and support to the intern.
Ensure the intern delivers high-quality output and contributes meaningfully to your project
Join our Partner Host Organization:
In 2026, Saltire Foundation Canada proudly announced Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation as our inaugural partnership with a Canadian charity, and we are now pleased to invite other organizations to join them for 2027! Wellspring is a national charity with a 30-year history of providing free, evidence-based supportive care programs to people living with cancer and their families. They represent the kind of entrepreneurial, impact-driven organization the Saltire Scholar program aims to support. If you would like to be our next partner, see below for how to submit a proposal and details on what the program entails.
Submit your application:
Deadline: November 30, 2026 (St. Andrew’s Day)
Should be a maximum of 2 pages, and include the following:
A brief background of your organization and why you would like to partner with us.
A description of the projects or areas where the intern would contribute.
Contact information and at least one reference,
Subject line: Saltire Scholar Program - Response to RFP - [Your Charity Name]
Submit proposals to: Mahsa.Taheri@saltirefoundationcanada.com
Secure High Quality Talent
At Saltire Foundation Canada, we understand the challenges of recruitment and acquiring talent for your organisation. Through our internship program, you can:
Access a source of talent that is not available by other means.
Help diversify the thinking and skill set of your workforce.
Connect with the highest quality undergraduates in Scotland.
Create a pipeline of graduate talent, with the ability to trial before commitment to permanent employment.
Secure flexible talent - either in-person or working remotely.
Our Saltire Scholars come from all different backgrounds and degree subjects. They bring diverse skills enabling them to work on dedicated projects that can help your business change and grow.
These projects can cover a wide range of topics such as:
What’s Involved
Project Parameters
(September - December)
Hosts submit an internship description using guidelines provided. Meanwhile, the Scholar team shortlists Scotland’s top students who have been through three pre-selection phases. At this time we will also discuss any logistical considerations with you, such as the skills needed by the intern, suggested accommodation for their stay or any other information important to their recruitment
Logistical Support
(February - May)
Once selected, the Scholar team works with your chosen Scholar intern to ensure they are ready to undertake the internship. We will also be in touch with you to facilitate the completion of the Young Persons Work Permit application and any other logistical requirements, such as security clearance. Our team will continue to work with you to ensure you’re kept up to date with the planning process.
Interviews
(January - February)
Hosts receive pre-screened candidates to interview. The decision for which intern to take is yours. Interviews can take place over the telephone, on Zoom or other video conferencing platforms.
Final Placed Intern
(May Onwards)
Hosts welcome their virtual and in-person Saltire Scholar for 10 weeks during the summer. The Scholar team provides leadership development and practical support to the interns before, during and after the internship.
Michael Frew, Engineering Assistance Intern, SNC Lavalin
“This experience has been incredible and has truly shaped my character in a positive manner by building my core skills both professionally and personally. In only a few short months my life has been forever changed by the opportunity this internship has given me I was lucky to share this experience with some amazing people who I am sure will become lasting friends”
Jennifer Murray, Insurance Brokerage Business Development Intern, Cavell Risk
"The emphasis on networking and mentorship was particularly impactful, allowing me to build meaningful connections that I believe will be valuable throughout my career. Overall, the experience has been transformative, and I feel better equipped and more confident as I move forward in my professional journey."