Award Applications
Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada (ZCO CA)
2026-27 Applications etc...
Open September 23, 2026 #5. ZCO CA & ZI 2026 'Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award' - Deadline: November 15, 2026
Open September 23, 2026: #6. ZCO CA & ZI 2026-27 Women in STEM Award - Deadline January 15, 2027
Closed 03152026 #1. ZCO CA & ZI 2024-2025 'Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award' -
Closed 03152026 #2. ZCO CA & ZD2 2024-2025 'Jean M. Coon Humanitarian Award' -
Closed 04302026 #3. ZCO CA and 'The Paulette Sinclair Memorial Theatre Arts Award' -
Closed 04302026 #4. ZCO CA 2025 'New Immigrant Woman Award'
Open September 23, 2026
#5. ZCO CA & ZI 2025 'Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award' Deadline: November 15, 2026
DESCRIPTION
The Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award celebrates excellence and recognizes
outstanding achievements by women between 18-35 years of age who are driving innovation and creating an impact in the business world. This prestigious award honors exceptional leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, ethical conduct and significant
contributions while addressing global or local issues affecting women and girls or climate justice.
The program operates at the Zonta club, district and international levels
Who is Eligible?
Women, aged 18-35 at the time of application, who demonstrate evidence of the following, are eligible to apply.
❑ Exceptional leadership in a business-related field of study or industry.
❑ Entrepreneurial spirit.
❑ Ethical conduct.
❑ Significant contributions to addressing global or local issues affecting women and girls or climate justice.
Previous Zonta Women in Business Leadership Awardees are not eligible to apply to renew the Award for a second year. Club members and individuals with direct membership with Zonta International and employees of Zonta International and Zonta Foundation for Women are not eligible to apply for the awards.
Z club and Golden Z club members are eligible to apply. Recipients of a Zonta fellowship or award who have received a complimentary one-year supporting membership from Zonta International are eligible to apply during their complimentary membership year, provided that they are not applying for the same fellowship or scholarship they previously received from Zonta International.
Committee or jury members or any member involved in the selection process should follow the Zonta International Conflict of Interest Policy in the selection of awardees.
How Do I Apply?
Applicants must locate a Zonta club near them by using the Club Locator at zonta.org/locateaclub to receive the
deadline and an address to submit application to, or for assistance, email your name and contact information to Zonta International Headquarters at programs@zonta.org. Note that applications must be submitted to a Zonta club or district in the language(s) accepted by the club or district by the deadline printed on the application. Only typed applications will be accepted and considered.
Note that applicants from geographic areas within a Zonta district where no clubs are located may apply via a Zonta e-Club or directly to the district to be eligible for the international awards.
Application Requirements
❑ Completion of the official application, including essay, (may be downloaded from the Zonta International website, www.zonta.org).
❑ Verification of current enrollment by school/institute official (if applicable), or
❑ Letter from employer confirming employment (if applicable). The letter from employer must be on letterhead
with signature from the employer stating the applicants date of hire and job title.
❑ Two recommendations from adults, not related to the applicant, such as teachers, school officials, employee
supervisors or business leaders, which must be sent directly to the Zonta club or district and not through the applicant.
Supporting documentation not requested as part of the application will not be considered. All applications and supporting information become the property of Zonta International. Zonta International has final authority over any aspect of the awards.
Application Process
The application process must start with a Zonta club. All application materials must be received at a Zonta club by the deadline given by the individual club. If you downloaded the application from the Zonta International website, you must
contact a Zonta club for deadline information. Zonta International Headquarters does not hold a list of all clubs’ deadlines. The club evaluating committee will consider applications and select the club awardee. Zonta clubs each select one application to send to their respective Zonta governor.
A district evaluating committee reviews the applications and selects one applicant per district to submit to
Zonta International Headquarters. Districts with at least 1,200 members as of 31 May 2026 may submit two
applications. The International Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award Jury will select 10 international Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award recipients from the district applicants received at Zonta International Headquarters.
1. Poster
All below documents are extremely important, please review all.
2. ZCOCA_2027_ZWinBL Award Application Description
3. ZCOCA_2027ZWinBL Award_Application
4. ZCOCA_2027ZWinBL Award-Application Recommendation Letter Cover Sheet
5. ZCO CA - 2027- ZWinBL Award-Application Verification Of Enrollment
6. ZCO CA - 2027 ZWinBL Award-Application Privacy Policy And Publicity Authorization
ZCO CA & ZI 2026 'Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award' - Deadline November 15, 2026
Open September 23, 2026
#6. ZCO CA & ZI 2026-27 Zonta Women in STEM Award
Deadline January 27, 2027
DESCRIPTION
The Zonta Women in STEM Award uplifts innovation and celebrates the remarkable accomplishments of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields of study. The award recognizes eligible women from their second year
of undergraduate study through their final year of graduate study for groundbreaking research, pioneering discoveries and/or exemplary contributions to advancing knowledge and innovation in STEM.
By recognizing and supporting these exceptional women, Zonta aims to inspire future generations, encourage women to pursue leadership in STEM and foster greater inclusivity and diversity in STEM fields.
The program operates at the Zonta club, district and international levels. Zonta International offers 16 international awards of US$5,000 each and a complimentary one-year supporting membership in Zonta International for the next financial year.
General Information
According to the Global Gender Gap Report (2023), women comprise only 29.2% of the STEM workforce in 146 nations evaluated. Despite a 1.58% increase in female STEM workers between 2015 and 2023, a troubling gender imbalance remains. Women face challenges when pursuing STEM leadership roles. For instance, women represent 29.9% of senior workers but only 12.4% in C-suite roles. Organizations, governments, educational institutions, and the larger scientific and technological community must work together to remove barriers that prevent women from advancing in STEM careers.
Cited by Global STEM Workforce - Society of Women Engineers (swe.org).
The goal of the Zonta Women in STEM Award is to uplift and recognize the incredible work being done by women in STEM fields and inspire other women to pursue education, careers and leadership roles in STEM fields.
Who is Eligible?
Women who demonstrate groundbreaking research, pioneering discoveries, and/or exemplary contributions to advancing knowledge and innovation in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) field of study are eligible to apply.
Applicants are eligible if they are currently in their second year of an undergraduate program through the final year of a graduate program. The Designated Degree Program List provides a comprehensive reference of STEM fields and is used to support consistent eligibility determinations for applicants worldwide: Full list of STEM fields recognized internationally.
Previous Zonta Women in STEM Awardees are not eligible to apply to renew the Award for a second year. Club members and individuals with direct membership with Zonta International and employees of Zonta International and Zonta Foundation for Women are not eligible to apply for the awards.
Z club and Golden Z club members are eligible to apply. Recipients of a Zonta fellowship or award who have received a complimentary one-year supporting membership from Zonta International are eligible to apply during their complimentary membership year, provided that they are not applying for the same fellowship or scholarship they previously received from Zonta International.
Committee or jury members or any member involved in the selection process should follow the Zonta International Conflict of Interest Policy in the selection of awardees.
How Do I Apply?
Applicants must locate a Zonta club near them by using the Club Locator at zonta.org/locateaclub to receive the deadline and an address to submit application to, or for assistance, email your name and contact information to Zonta International Headquarters at programs@zonta.org. Note that applications must be submitted to a Zonta club or district in the language(s) accepted by the club or district by the deadline printed on the application. Only typed applications will be accepted and considered.
Note that applicants from geographic areas within a Zonta district where no clubs are located may apply via a Zonta e-Club or directly to the district to be eligible for the international awards.
Application Requirements
❑ Completion of the official application, including essay, which could be downloaded from the Zonta International website (www.zonta.org).
❑ Verification of current enrollment by school/institute official (if applicable), or
❑ Letter from employer verifying employment (if applicable). The letter from employer must be on letterhead with signature from the employer stating the applicant’s date of hire and job title.
❑ Two recommendations from adults, not related to the applicant, such as teachers, school officials, or employee supervisors, which must be sent directly to the Zonta club or district and not through the applicant.
Supporting documentation not requested as part of the application will not be considered. All applications and supporting information become the property of Zonta International. Zonta International has final authority over any aspect of the Awards.
Application Process
The application process must start with a Zonta club. All application materials must be received at a Zonta club by the deadline given by the individual club. If you downloaded the application from the Zonta International website, you must contact a Zonta club for deadline information. Zonta International Headquarters does not hold a list of all clubs’ deadlines. The club evaluating committee will consider applications and select the club awardee. Zonta clubs each select one application to send to their respective Zonta governor.
A district evaluating committee reviews the applications and selects one applicant per district to submit to Zonta International Headquarters. Districts with at least 1,200 members as of 31 May 2026 may submit two applications. The International Zonta Women in STEM Award Jury will select 16 international Zonta Women in STEM Award recipients from
the district applicants received at Zonta International Headquarters.
1. Poster:
All below documents are extremely important, please review all.
2. ZCOCA_2027_Zonta Women In STEM Award-ApplicationDescription
3. ZCOCA_2027_Zonta Women In STEM Award-Application
4. ZCOCA_2027_Zonta Women In STEM Award-Application Recommendation Letter Cover Sheet
5. ZCOCA_2027_Zonta Women IN STEM Award-Application Verification Of Enrollment
6. ZCOCA 2027 Zonta Women In STEM Award-Application Privacy Policy And Publicity Authorization
#6. ZCO CA & ZI 2026-27 Zonta Women in STEM Award
Deadline January 27, 2027
Youth Awards: Closed 03152026 - Letters to schools re Youth Awards 2026
Letters to schools re Youth Awards 2025-26 11062025
****************************************
Closed 03152026
#1. Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada & Zonta International 2026 'Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award' Deadline: March 15, 2026 
Award description Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award (formerly the Young Women in Public Affairs Award) recognizes young women, ages 16-19, for demonstrating leadership skills and commitment to public service and civic causes, and encourages them to continue their participation in public and political life. Since 1990, Zonta has given 1,165 awards, totaling US$1,858,750 to 993 young women from 60 countries. The program operates at the Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada $800CAD, district and international levels. Zonta International offers 37 international awards of US$5,000. Each district may submit one applicant for consideration for an international scholarship. The five largest districts may submit a second applicant for a total of two applicants. Eligibility Women, aged 16-19 on 1st April each year, living in a Zonta district or who are citizens of a Zonta country, who demonstrate evidence of the following, are eligible to apply.
- Active commitment to volunteerism.
- Experience in local government, student government, or workplace leadership (paid or unpaid).
- Volunteer leadership achievements.
- Knowledge of Zonta International and its programs.
- Support in Zonta International's mission of building a better world for women and girls.
Funding Young Women in Leadership Awards are made possible by generous contributions to the Zonta Foundation for Women Young Women in Leadership Award Fund from Zontians, Zonta clubs and friends of Zonta International. Application Process and Deadline: ZCO CA 'Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award': The application process must start with Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada. All completed application materials must be received at Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada by the deadline printed on the application (March 15, 2026).
Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada c/o Valerie Hume, Committee Chair email: zontaottawayouth2@gmail.com
Deadline: March 15, 2026
1. 2026 YWIL Poster YWLA_Poster updated 09082025 2. 2026 Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award Application 2026 YWLA_Application 09082025 3. 2026 Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award Application Description 2026 YWLA_Application Description 09082025 4. 2026 Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award Privacy Policy and Publicity Authorization YWLA_ Privacy Policy Publicity Authorization 09082025 5. 2026 Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award Verification of Enrollment YWLA_ Verification Enrollment 09082025
Closed 03152026
#2. Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada & Zonta District 2, 2025-2026 'Jean M. Coon Humanitarian Award' 
Community Service Award for High School Juniors & Seniors Who May Apply? High School junior or senior students who perform outstanding community service may apply by submitting a completed application and reference letter to Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada. Academic achievement is not relevant. Each of the 20 Zonta Clubs in District 2 solicits & accepts applications from high schools in its area. In the spring, each club reviews the applications it receives, and selects a single club candidate. Each club candidate becomes a District finalist. The Jean M. Coon committee reviews each finalist application and an award winner is announced in May. What is the Amount of the Award?
$ 800 CAD > Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada
$ 1000 USD > Zonta International District 2
How Does the Winner receive the Award? The cheque is presented to the winner at an award luncheon at the District 2 October meeting (Seminar or Conference) each year. The date & location of the meeting is announced not later than September.
Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada will provide details to winner.
How to Apply? Application forms are mailed to local school guidance counselors in the late fall. All application materials must be received at Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada by the deadline of March 15, 2026.
Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada c/o Valerie Hume, Committee Chair email: zontaottawayouth2@gmail.com
Deadline: March 15, 2026
Application: ZCO CA 2025-2026 Jean M Coon - ZCO CA 2026 Jean M Coon - Updated-10272025
Closed 04302026
#3. ZCO CA and 'The Paulette Sinclair Memorial Theatre Arts Award' - Deadline: April 30, 2026 The Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada (ZCO CA) proudly announces the inclusion of the 2026 Paulette Memorial Theatre Arts Award. This honor celebrates exceptional individuals dedicated to theatre arts, demonstrating the club’s ongoing support for cultivating artistic talent and excellence in the community. Two awards of approximately $2,500 CAD will be awarded for three years (2026-27-28) to women in the National Capital Region who are currently enrolled in a post-secondary theatre program. These awards enable talented and qualified young women to achieve their professional goals. 2026 Theatre Arts Award Application & Guidelines: Eligibility Criteria These distinguished awards are intended for individuals who either maintain their primary residence within the National Capital Region (NCR) or are actively pursuing theatre studies in that area. Submission Requirements Applicants are required to submit a completed application form along with all necessary reference letters. Please ensure that these materials are received by the Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada no later than midnight on April 30th, 2026. Submissions received after the deadline will not be considered. How to Apply: Application: 2026 ZCO CA and The Paulette Memorial Theatre Arts Bursary Application 01032026
Deadline: midnight April 30, 2026
Closed 04302026
#4. ZCO CA 2025 'New Immigrant Woman Award' - Deadline April 30, 2026 New Immigrant Woman Award: This $1,000 CAD award honours a newcomer who is a single mother, raising a family while working on her own education at any level. The applicant must: 1. Be a resident of Ottawa or Hull/Gatineau 2. Have immigrated to Canada after the age of 18 and arrived in 3. Be a single mother with one or more dependent children 4. Need financial support to pursue formal education To apply, email ottawazonta@gmail.com with:
- Your resume and cover letter
- Two references from persons who are not relatives
Final Poster - New Immigrant Woman Award (ENG) 2026 Final Poster - New Immigrant Woman Award (FRE) 2026 
Deadline: April 30th, 2026