CCEL’s Grants Project Library contains reports and infographics documenting the social impact work conducted by students in partnership with community organizations that CCEL Grants have funded. We hope this resource is helpful as a database to support and inspire further work around community-rooted social justice, equity and access issues. Read about examples of project topics here.
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ARTS BASED WILDLIFE RECOVERY IN THE DOWNTON LAKE WILDFIRE AREA
This project, in partnership with the Bridge River Valley Community Association, brought together artists, researchers, and residents to explore post-wildfire recovery through creative expression and community dialogue in the Bridge River Valley Community in the aftermath of the Downton Lake fire. The three-day resulting FireWeave Festival featured workshops, guided hikes, art installations, and a community BBQ, all grounded in lived experience of the 2023 fire. Events like the Paint & Sip, Pine Needle Basketry workshop, and Wildfire Film Screening created space for storytelling, grief, and healing, while highlighting the emotional and ecological landscapes shaped by fire. The festival also fostered new collaborations with local artists and knowledge holders, and marked an important step toward building relationships with nearby St’át’imc communities.
UBC Student Project Lead: Gillian Der
Community Partner: Bridge River Valley Community Association
Grant Type: Chapman & Innovation
Year of Publication: 2024
Topic: Wildlife Recovery, Environmental Awareness, Experiential Education, Indigenous Knowledge Sharing
Keywords: Advocacy, Arts-Based Practices, Storytelling, Community Programming
Population: Bridge River Valley Residents
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TOGETHER WE GROW: GARDENING FOR ECOLOGICAL AWARENESS, FOOD LITERACY, AND INDIGENOUS WISDOM
This project involved the creation of an after-school program, developed in partnership with Stride Avenue Community School, to address food security and social isolation in high-density Burnaby neighbourhoods. Grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems, participants engaged in land-based experiential learning to deepen their understanding of sustainable food practices and strengthen their connection to their community and the land. The initiative fostered peer and intergenerational relationships, enhanced well-being, and promoted ecological awareness through hands-on gardening and cultural teachings.
UBC Student Project Lead: Sangeeta Bhonsale
Community Partner: Stride Avenue Community School
Grant Type: Chapman & Innovation
Year of Publication: 2024
Topic: Indigenous Knowledge, Land-Based Learning, Ecological Awareness, Community Well-Being
Keywords: Food Literacy, Intergenerational Connection, Culture, Heritage
Population: Youth, Women
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UKE CONNECT
This project, in partnership with Burnaby Neighbourhood House, used ukulele learning and public performances to foster connection, joy, and inclusion among older adults, especially those living with dementia. Events like a Ukulele Flash Mob and community showcases helped participants build confidence and express creativity, while also engaging local policymakers in conversations about aging and visibility. Emphasizing enjoyment over technical skill, this project created a welcoming space for intergenerational engagement and collective celebration.
UBC Student Project Lead: Dibbo Roy
Community Partner: Burnaby Neighbourhood House
Grant Type: Chapman & Innovation
Year of Publication: 2024
Topic: Community Building, Social Inclusivity, Collective Art
Keywords: Music, Accessible Programming, Empowerment
Population: Older Adults, Seniors, Burnaby Residents
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OCEAN ACIDIFICATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IN FALSE CREEK
This project, in partnership with the False Creek Friends Society (FCFS), aimed to raise awareness about ocean acidification, promote Indigenous knowledge, and build community support for transforming False Creek into Canada’s first National Urban Marine Park by 2030. Through events like the World Oceans Day Fair and a community feast led by Indigenous Knowledge Keeper Leona Brown (Gitxsan and Nisga’a), the project fostered dialogue around sustainable futures rooted in cultural respect and ecological stewardship.
UBC Student Project Lead: Tara Brudar
Community Partner: False Creek Friends Society
Grant Type: Connect to Community
Year of Publication: 2025
Topic: Indigenous Practices, Ocean Acidification, Food Sovereignty, Restoration
Keywords: Sustainability, Community Engagement, Conservation, Education
Population: False Creek Residents
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STEPS TO FOOD STABILITY: AN AFTER SCHOOL WORKSHOP FOR UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN
This project delivered a series of free, after-school workshops for children ages 5–10 in South Vancouver, focusing on food literacy, nutrition education, and sustainable eating practices. In partnership with South Vancouver Family Place, the program aimed to address food insecurity by equipping families with practical tools and knowledge for healthier, budget-conscious food choices. Each workshop featured interactive activities, nutritious meals, and take-home care packages designed to extend learning into the home.
UBC Student Project Lead: Naomi Isak & Brianna Xu
Community Partner: South Vancouver Family Place
Grant Type: Connect to Community
Year of Publication: 2025
Topic: Food Insecurity in Urban Communities, After-School Programming, Inclusive Curriculum
Keywords: Food Literacy, Sustainability, Nutritional Health, Workshops
Population: Youth in South Vancouver