CCEL Grants
Transform an idea into action, and receive funding to make it happen
About CCEL Student Grants
At the Centre for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL), we empower students to drive social change through funding for meaningful projects in partnership with BC-based community organizations. Our grants support students in co-designing and implementing impactful initiatives that directly address community needs. We encourage bold, creative ideas and offer hands-on experience in tackling real-world challenges. Dive in, explore new possibilities, and gain experience working to address real-world issues.
We are currently accepting grant applications for the 2024/2025 cycle.
Watch our virtual “How to Apply for a CCEL Grant” info session recording that took place on Thursday, November 7, 2024.
Workshops to support your CCEL grant application:
🌱 Asset Based Community Development (recording will be available after Nov 21, 2024)
🌱 Ethical Community Engagement (recording will be available after Nov 21, 2024)
Applicant Eligibility
Undergraduate and masters degree students are eligible for CCEL grants. PhD students are not eligible.
All applications must include at least one (1) UBC student and one (1) community organization who are listed on the application. More information about student, community partner, and project eligibility is linked here.
Students
All Grants (Chapman & Innovation Grant, Global Fund, Connect to Community Grant)
● Students must be studying at UBC’s Vancouver campus. Okanagan students should contact Robyn Bunn at the Student Experience Office (robyn.bunn@ubc.ca).
● Diploma, certificate and non-degree students are not eligible for CCEL grants.
● Students currently on co-op are eligible.
● Multi-student teams should contact a CCEL advisor to learn about administration and honoraria processes.
Community Partners
Eligible Community partners include nonprofits, public sector organizations, registered charities, societies, cooperatives, First Nations Communities, schools, and municipal, federal, or provincial government offices.
● A UBC student cannot receive funds to partner with an organization they founded or co-founded.
● UBC students who have founded or co-founded a registered non-profit must partner with an additional community organization that is separate from the one they have founded. Alternately, a non-affiliated student can apply for funds to support the organizations efforts.
● UBC student groups and clubs are not eligible “community organizations”. However, a member of the student club/group can apply to represent the efforts of the group as long as the project still holds a partnership with an community partner.
● Partnerships with for-profit business are not eligible.
Connect to Community
Target Audience: Tailored for students embarking on the initial phases of their changemaking journey, intended for those taking their first strides.
Connect to Community Grants (C2C) offer UBC students the opportunity to create and carry out introductory, trial, and smaller scale projects that support community priorities. Designed as an introduction to the grants experience, students are challenged to learn from the application process through to project completion. Explore our Grants Projects Library below for examples of previous C2C projects.
$500 – $2,000 CAD per project.
Projects must be completed within 6 months of the grant being awarded.
Global Fund
Target Audience: Tailored for students who have some experience working alongside communities towards social change, intended to further empower them in expanding their learning and capacity to work in partnership with community.
Global Fund Grants offer UBC students the opportunity to create and execute a more robust project to address a community priority. This grant supports students towards leading impactful initiatives that further empowers equity-seeking populations or to address systemic challenges. This fund is in partnership with the UBC Alma Mater Society. Explore our Grants Projects Library below for examples of previous Global Fund projects.
$2,000- $5,000 CAD per project.
Projects must be completed within 6 months of the grant being awarded.
Chapman and Innovation
Target Audience: Designed for students advanced in their path toward making a difference, well-positioned to make meaningful contributions to the community.
Chapman and Innovation Grants (C&I) offer UBC students the opportunities to work on projects that promote the self-empowerment of communities through meaningful collaboration. Strong projects will have an innovative or creative approach to addressing social issues. Explore our Grants Projects Library below for examples of previous C&I projects.
$5,000 – $10,000 CAD per project.
Projects must be completed within 6 months of the grant being awarded.
Application Timeline for all Grants
Grant Project Library
The Grant Project Library showcases past CCEL-funded student initiatives, project outcomes, and community impacts. These projects were led by students in partnership with community organizations aiming to address social issues affecting our communities.
Grant Stories
Grant Stories is a collection of student stories showcasing novel projects, community partnerships, lessons learned, and advice for future grant applicants.
Year-Round Advising
UBC CCEL Grant Advising supports students in:
- Connecting with community partner organizations
- Exploring, scoping out, and evaluating project ideas/feasibility
- Answering questions about the application process
- Determining eligibility to apply to grants
- Preparing grant applications, including offering resources for grant writing
- Creating and revising project budgets
- Anything else related to applying to a UBC CCEL grant!
Contact Information
E-mail Jacquie (she/her) at jacquie.kwok@ubc.ca with your questions, or to book an advising appointment. Our office aims to respond to emails within 1-2 business days.
Appointments are available Monday to Thursday 10am to 4pm virtually via Zoom or in-person at the Centre for Community Engaged Learning.