Below is a growing collection of resources – funding, access to research, volunteers, and more. This resource listing is in early stages, and not comprehensive. If you have additional resources to share, please email community.engagement@ubc.ca.
Resources specifically for Indigenous communities can be found here from the Indigenous Research Support Initiative (IRSI). IRSI helps ensure that collaborative research projects meet the needs of the community and are done in a way that respects community values, practices and protocols.
Funding – Research Partnerships
Mitacs Accelerate
Matching funds for partnerships involving student interns. Community partner is asked to contribute 50% of cost.
Contact Allison Brennan at abrennan@mitacs.ca or learn more here.
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC Grants)
Partnerships interested in Social Sciences and/or Humanities research or knowledge mobilization projects may be eligible for funding through SSHRC. Funding opportunities include:
- Connection Grants support “events and outreach activities geared toward short-term, targeted knowledge mobilization initiatives.” Activities can include, but are not limited to: workshops, colloquiums, conferences, forums, and summer institutes.
- Partnership Engage Grants support “partnered research activities that will inform decision-making at a single partner organization from the public, private or not-for-profit sector. In addressing an organization-specific need, challenge and/or opportunity, these partnerships let non-academic organizations and postsecondary researchers access each other’s unique knowledge, expertise and capabilities on topics of mutual interest.”
For more information on these, and other SSHRC competitions, please consult the SSHRC website, or the SSHRC section of the SPARC website. You may also connect directly with Danica Kell, SSH Research Development Officer at UBC, for more information: danica.kell@ubc.ca
Funding – Hiring UBC Students
UBC Co op has curated a list of subsidies and grants for hiring students from federal, provincial, and private organizations.
If you are interested in hiring a UBC Faculty of Arts graduate student as an intern, you may want to learn about the Arts Amplifier program. Faculty of Arts staff are available to help community partners navigate and apply for funding.
Funding – General
Here is a list of awards and funding opportunities for community partners, as well as faculty, staff, and students.
Community Foundations in your area might offer grants for community university projects. Check with your local foundation.
Many cities and regional districts also offer grant programs and tend to look favourably on partnerships. For example, the City of Kelowna Community Social Development Grant and City of Kelowna Arts Culture and Heritage Grant.
Also, check with your local credit union to see if they have a granting program. For example, Vancity Community Partnership Program.
Access to Research and Information
Community Scholars Program
The Community Scholars Program provides free access to academic journals, e-books, and other research related to your field for registered staff of BC non-profits and charitable organizations. Learn more.
Sign up for an upcoming workshop to learn how to find free and open access research. Community Scholars’ Librarians will guide you to a variety of sources that can help you stay up-to-date in your field and make evidence-based decisions, cite credible sources in upcoming grants, and continue to develop your program innovations. Watch for upcoming workshops.
Engage With Students (unpaid projects)
Centre for Community Engaged Learning (UBC Vancouver)
Could your organization use some help with a virtual project in pursuit of positive social change? The Centre for Community Engaged Learning connects non-profit organizations with UBC students that are seeking to grow their skillset while contributing to research projects, virtual workshops, communications (including posters!) and other initiatives in our communities. Please post your volunteer opportunities or fill out this project request form to let us know about a budding idea. Find out more by visiting the Centre’s website.
Community Service Learning Program (UBC Okanagan)
The Community Service Learning Program (CSL) offers students opportunities to connect in classroom learning with real life experiences in the community. This is done through both curricular (course based) and co-curricular (open to all students) programs and projects with community partners. Contact: Robyn.bunn@ubc.ca for more information about the program and how your community group could access student volunteers.
Post Volunteer Opportunities
We have two separate job/volunteer opportunity boards for students, one based out of each campus. If your opportunity is virtual, consider posting in both places. Find a FAQ and helpful tips for creating a volunteer posting here.
UBC Vancouver: UBC CareersOnline
UBC Okanagan: Student & Alumni Job Board
Community Engagement Help Desk
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Let us help.
Fill in a short questionnaire so that Help Desk can point you in the right direction.