Dr. Mary-Wynne Ashford & The Peace Through Education Fund

The Mary-Wynne Ashford Peace through Education Fund supports youth-led initiatives that promote peace through education, encouraging young people to engage their peers and communities in learning, dialogue, and creative peace-building activities.

Small grants of $200–$1,000 are available to provide seed funding for educational and community-based peace projects. Two application cycles are offered each year:

  • Spring cycle for projects taking place in summer or fall (Deadline: April 15)

  • Fall cycle for projects planned for winter or spring (Deadline: October 15)

Applicants must submit a project description (including goals, activities, timeline, and anticipated impact), a simple budget, and—if under 18—the name and contact information of an adult sponsor (such as a teacher or mentor).

The Fund is designed primarily for high school students, though other young people committed to peace through education are encouraged to apply. Eligible projects may include workshops, presentations, artistic or educational materials, community events, or other initiatives that promote dialogue, nonviolence, and global solidarity.

Applications are assessed based on alignment with peace through education, clarity and feasibility, community impact, and demonstrated youth leadership.

Spirit of Dr. Mary Wynne-Ashford Day

To all those who knew and loved her as well as the many others whose lives she touched, Mary-Wynne was a remarkable individual who dedicated her life to advocating for peace, health, and global unity. Her tireless efforts as a teacher, doctor, artist, musician, leader, and advocate for peace through education have left an indelible mark on our world. Now, it is our turn to honour her legacy and continue her important work.

The Spirit of Dr. May Wynne-Ashford Day is a day of reflection, celebration, and empowerment as we come together to remember Mary-Wynne and her extraordinary contributions to our community and the world. This day also marks the launch of IPPNWC’s Dr. Mary-Wynne Ashford Peace through Education Fund, aimed at providing support for young individuals to create projects for peace education.

Spirit of Dr. Mary-Wynne Ashford Day & Peace Through Education Fund Launch

The Peace Through Education Fund

The International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War Canada (IPPNWC) unanimously decided to establish the Dr. Mary-Wynne Ashford Peace through Education Fund to continue the spirit and legacy of Dr. Mary-Wynne Ashford. The Fund is designed to provide support for young individuals through financial Awards, encompassing Mary-Wynne’s life work as a teacher, doctor, artist, musician, leader, and advocate for peace through education.

The Fund will continue her legacy by providing seed money for projects across Canada that enable youth to engage in various projects for peace education and community involvement. The Dr. Mary-Wynne Ashford Peace through Education Fund will officially open for contributions on Sunday, May 5th, 2024. The day will be more than a Fund launch but a call to action for youth to engage in meaningful endeavors that echo Mary-Wynne’s commitment to peace, health, and global unity.