Many Canadian families, especially lower‑income ones, face challenges contributing to Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs). Families with low incomes are much less likely to have RESP savings — for example, as of 2024, only about 36% low-income families had an RESP, meaning over 60% of the group is unlikely to have any savings for postsecondary education at all. Many students miss out on government grants such as the Canada Education Savings Grant and Canada Learning Bond.

1. Encourage Participation in the Canada Learning Bond (CLB): Educate low-income families, particularly those with children born before 2024, on opening an RESP to access the Canada Learning Bond, which provides an initial $500 payment and annual $100 top-ups, reaching a lifetime total of $2,000 per child with no personal contributions required.

2. Maximize CESG Benefits: Assist eligible families in securing the Additional Canada Education Savings Grant (A-CESG), which offers an enhanced match of up to 40% on the first $500 contributed annually to an RESP. And empower low-income families to meet realistic RESP saving targets.

3. Social Investing for Children Canada (SICC) helps families kickstart education savings by providing matching RESP grant and guidance on maximizing government grants. By focusing on Grade One students of low-income families, we give children an early start to benefit from long-term growth, while all students and families can join our inclusive programs and events to build a stronger financial foundation for postsecondary education.