Boone Hodgson Wilkinson Foundation

Boone Hodgson Wilkinson Trust Foundation

The purpose of the BHW Trust Foundation is to support education regarding honey bees and to support apiculture research. The BHW Trust Foundation Constitution permits funding of an undergraduate course in apiculture, the provision a bursary or scholarship for either undergraduates in apiculture or graduates undertaking research in apiculture, or the funding of research projects in apiculture based within a College or University.

History

Established in 1965, the Boone Hodgson Wilkinson Trust Foundation (BHWTF) began with a generous donation from John Corner, the Provincial Apiarist. The foundation honors three significant figures in the beekeeping industry at that time: Harvey Boone, an orchardist, beekeeper, and bee inspector from the Okanagan; Percy Hodgson of New Westminster, a pioneering manufacturer of beekeeping equipment; and George Wilkinson of Victoria, a beekeeper and inspector.

Purpose

The BHWTF’s core mission is to advance education and research in apiculture. Our Constitution permits funding for various initiatives, including:

• Undergraduate Courses: Support for courses in apiculture.

• Bursaries and Scholarships: Available for both undergraduates in apiculture and graduates conducting apiculture research.

• Research Projects: Funding for apiculture research at colleges or universities, with preference for projects integrated into graduate student program

In addition to these, the foundation also supports research initiatives by the B.C. Department of Agriculture and other educational efforts in beekeeping. Although preference is given to applicants based in British Columbia we welcome applications from across Cananda. The Foundation’s operations are guided by its Constitution and Bylaws, managed by Trustees elected from the BC Honey Producers’ Association.

Email  BHWTFoundation@gmail.com 

Donations

Our non-profit charity is supported mainly by donations. Donations are tax-deductible and a receipt will be issued.

Please send your donation made out to Boone Hodgson Wilkinson Trust Foundation to:

Boone Hodgson Wilkinson Trust Foundation
c/o Amanda Goodman Lee
220 Placsko Road
Creston, BC V0B 1G8 

or can be made by credit card online – DONATE

Grant Application Now Open

The Boone Hodgson Wilkinson Trust Foundation has $5,000 of funding available for studies and/or research in Apiculture.
If you would like to apply please see eligibility details below and submit your application by April 17^th, 2026.

Successful applicants will be notified on or before May 8^th, 2026

Eligibility Requirements

 1. For grants/scholarships

a. Undergraduates from BC taking courses specializing in Apiculture, Biology or Entomology</h6 style=”padding-left: 40px;”>

i.  At a university or college in BC</h6 style=”padding-left: 80px;”>

ii. While attending a Canadian or foreign university</h6 style=”padding-left: 80px;”>

b. Post graduate students from BC who studied Biology. Entomology or Apiculture as undergraduates and are now conducting research in Apiculture in BC or elsewhere in Canada.</h6 style=”padding-left: 40px;”>

2.  For research projects at a university or by the BC Ministry of Agriculture. Apiculture Program Application will be presented in writing by the project supervisor and will be required to meet the requirements set down in the application section of this document.

Application

Applicants for grants or scholarships must provide the trustees with suitable information as follows:

For undergraduates:

1. Area of study – number of courses relating to apiculture – biology and entomology.

2. Current year of study e.g. 3rd or 4th

3. Grades attained

4. Review of summer work experience, especially in apiculture

5. Intention to do post graduate work in Apiculture

6. Amount of funding required and reasons

For post-graduate students:

1. Review of undergraduate courses and grades

2. State which post-graduate degree being worked on

3. Short statement on the area of study and research for the post graduate degree

4. Applicants will explain how their research relates to the biology of bees and/or their management. Is there some practical value for beekeepers.

5. A recommendation from your supervisor

For funding to attend a conference:

1. Dates and location of the conference

2. The name of the conference and purpose

3. Indicate what you expect to gain for your purposes and for the beekeeping industry

4. Your expected costs

5. Amount of funding required

Preference will be given to applicants from British Columbia, but this funding is not restricted to students from British Columbia. Interested applicants should submit their application letter to the BHWTF trustees at bhwtfoundation@gmail.com.