Is there a global or community issue you’re passionate about? If you had the resources, how would you tackle that issue?
Whether it’s through a grant or a competition, there are several opportunities at UBC to receive funding towards addressing a problem you see locally or around the world.
That’s right—not only might you get to present some of your best ideas on how to support a cause you care about, you could receive the resources needed to actually implement these ideas! These opportunities are great ways to collaborate with others who share your passion, and participating can help you develop your skills in research, collaboration, and innovative thinking.
Check out the opportunities below:
Connect to Community Grants | Apply by Feb 5
These grants are awarded to students looking to collaborate with a local nonprofit community organization on an innovative project. The process is designed to be as accessible as possible and a great place to start if you’re new to grant applications. New this year, there are now funds specifically designated for international students.
Who can apply
UBC students in an undergraduate or master's program, in partnership with a community organization.
Funding available
Grants range from $200 to $1,500.
Previous projects
Past winners worked on a diverse array of projects. Examples include bringing mental health workshops to schools, distributing essential items in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, and increasing engagement amongst groups often left out by promotional health materials.
Chapman and Innovation Grants | Apply by Feb 5
Grants are awarded to students aiming to work with local nonprofit community organizations, specifically taking initiative in tackling issues affecting under-represented populations. Some funds for this grant are also designated for international students.
Who can apply
UBC students in an undergraduate or master's program, in partnership with a community organization.
Funding available
Applicants can request funds between $1,500 and $10,000.
Previous projects
Past winners have worked to reduce homophobic and gender-based violence in Vancouver, monitored air and water quality with the Sumas First Nation, improved physical activity resources for stroke survivors, implemented after-school programming, and more.
UBC Map the System | Apply by Jan 31
Map the System is a global competition where participants choose a social or environmental issue, conduct research on it, and present their findings in a way that people can share and learn from. Teams compete at UBC before one is chosen to represent UBC at the virtual Canadian nationals, and potentially at the Global Final Competition.
Who can apply
Current UBC students or recent alum.
Funding available
Various prizes, including grants to continue research beyond the competition for the top Canadian teams through Map the System Canada; and awards of up to £4,000 (~$7,000 CAD) for the top three finalists at the Global Final Competition.
Previous projects
Past UBC winners (scroll down) used a systems-thinking approach to examine the symptoms, processes, and roots of pediatric vaccine hesitancy in British Columbia.
Global Fund | Apply by Jan 8, Feb 5, or Mar 5
The Global Fund from the Global Lounge gives out grants for student-led initiatives with an international or intercultural focus. If you’re interested, it’s extremely helpful to schedule a consultation with the Global Fund Committee before applying by emailing global.fund@ubc.ca. Applications are reviewed monthly.
Who can apply
Current UBC students.
Funding available
Up to $2,000.
Previous projects
Previous recipients put on an event about relations between African and Indigenous communities, organized a festival merging art and activism, and hosted a conference on social enterprise.
