When Father James ‘Jim’ Wall, a Melbourne Diocesan priest, founded the Catholic Development Fund (CDF) over 60 years ago it began with a modest investment from a single parishioner.

In a city experiencing a post-war population boom, CDF grew on the faith of the Catholic community who were committed to the education of their children. Today, Catholic organisations around the country,

rely on funding from CDF for important building projects, such as new classrooms in schools, hospital wings, aged care homes and social service facilities.

The Bursary, named in honour of Father James Wall, continues this legacy of support for exemplary students who are leading the way in their own communities.

Each year the Bursary is awarded to Year 10 Catholic secondary school students who demonstrate leadership potential in a range of areas including academia, arts, sporting activities, community service and social justice activities.

The students will each be awarded a $5,000 Bursary through the generous support of CDF. The Bursary, now in its 22nd year, assists with school fees and expenses incurred by the recipients while undertaking Year 11 and 12 in a Catholic secondary school.

A total of 7 Bursaries will be awarded, with 4 allocated to the Archdiocese of Melbourne , 1 for the Diocese of Sale, 1 for the Diocese of Bunbury and 1 for the Diocese of Ballarat.

• The school will need to nominate only one student for the Bursary. 
• The application will then need to be completed by the chosen Student using the online application form.
• Once complete, the student application will be forwarded to the School Principal for submission via the online submission form.
• The school must also supply a reference, signed by the Principal and on letterhead, in support of the student’s application. The reference must also include an outline of the college's relationship with CDF.
• Applications close 13th September 2024
  

The nominated student must be undertaking Year 10 Studies in 2024, within a Catholic secondary school in the Archdiocese of Melbourne , Diocese of Sale, Diocese of Bunbury or the Diocese of Ballarat.

1. The student demonstrates a high degree of leadership in the school and the community and is seen by their community to be inclusive, cooperative and committed to making a difference via a self-directed manner.
2. The student demonstrates leadership potential in a range of areas i.e. academia, arts, public speaking, sporting activities, community service and social justice activities etc.
3. The student demonstrates an emphasis on helping others and providing service to others i.e. coaching, fundraising, environmental protection, hospitality services, assisting people with disabilities, involvement in parish and/or local council activities.

• The questions in the Student Application form refer directly to the criteria and must be completed by the applying student.
• Please ensure all questions are answered.
• Please do not attach copies of student certificates etc.
• Dot-points may be used to list student achievements where applicable.
• The school must supply a reference, signed by the principal and on school letterhead, in support of the student’s application and outlining the college’s relationship with the catholic Development Fund (CDF).