A strong grant application has 3 parts:
- A project idea that connects to a broader social issue with an achievable and measurable impact
- A community partnership with clearly outlined roles and responsibilities
- A project plan that includes goals, objectives, a timeline, and budget
Identify your project idea
When you apply for a grant, you need to clearly describe your project idea, which includes the problem and solutions you plan to work on.
Review the Identifying a Project Idea guide (pdf) for tips on drafting a problem statement. You can also use the brainstorming matrix in the guide to develop a strong project idea.
Find your community partners
Community partners must be a registered charity, society, cooperative, non-profit or public sector, community organization, First Nation, school, municipal, federal, or provincial government office.
Partnerships are best built by fostering a relationship with the community organization.
Learn how to build a partnership with a community organization through the Reaching out to a Community Organization guide (pdf).
Build your project plan
Now that you have a project idea and a community partnership, it’s time to write your application.
The CCEL Grants Application Toolkit (pdf) provides a detailed guide for answering each question in the grant application and can support you in developing your project plan.
Seek advising
From developing a project idea to finding a community partner, to building a project plan, the Centre for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL) is available in person or online to support you and answer your questions.
Email community.learning@ubc.ca to book an advising session with CCEL staff and brainstorm your project idea or learn more about available grants.
