Go Back

Grants to our community:
Community-based Health Research

Purpose

Community-based Health Research grants support initiatives that ensure British Columbians are involved in advancing the health equity of their own communities. These research grants allow researchers and non-profit organizations to undertake relevant research collaboratively at the community level.

  • Health is a resource for everyday life, not the object of living. It is a positive concept emphasizing social and personal resources as well as physical capabilities.
    Reference: Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion. WHO, Geneva
  • Health Equity is achieved when all people have an equal opportunity to develop and maintain their health, through fair and just access to resources for health.
    Reference: Health Promotion Glossary. WHO, Geneva 1998
  • Community is a specific group of people, often living in a defined geographical area, who share a common culture, values and norms and are arranged in a social structure according to relationships which the community has developed over a period of time. Members of a community gain their personal and social identity by sharing common beliefs, values andnorms which have been developed by the community in the past and may be modified in the future. They exhibit some awareness of their identity as a group, and share common needs and a commitment to meeting them.
    Reference: Health Promotion Glossary. WHO, Geneva

The Types of Projects We Support

In general Vancouver Foundation supports growth and innovation through project-based grants for new initiatives. (See here for a full description.) Through Community-Based Health Research, we support projects in British Columbia that

  • are directed at improving health and minimizing health inequities
  • build capacity in communities to undertake community-based health research and promote partnerships between community members and researchers that facilitate reciprocal learning
  • engage community in problem solving, decision making, and action through research
  • are informed by previous findings in the area of investigation
  • contribute to relevant and measurable change and/or inform public policy

The Participatory Research Method We Look For

There are many valid research models; specifically, we look to support projects that are:

1. community situated

  • begins with a clearly-defined research question of practical relevance to the community (as opposed to individual scholars)
  • is supported, including financially, by individuals and organizations affected by the issue
  • is carried out in community settings
  • has a clear plan to disseminate findings to the community using appropriate strategies

2. collaborative

  • the research team reflects the range and diversity of the individuals and agencies affected by the issue to be researched
  • community members and researchers equitably share control of the research agenda through active and reciprocal involvement in the research design, implementation and dissemination
  • follows standards and protocols accepted by both the research and affected communities

3. action-oriented

  • the process and results are useful to community members in making positive social change and in promoting social equity
  • evaluation information will be shared with other stakeholders (e.g. researcher, academic institutions, other community-based organizations

Adapted from the Centre for Community Based Research (CCBR)

Typical Grant Amounts

Vancouver Foundation usually funds no more than 50% of the research project’s budget. Both cash contributions and in-kind donations of services or goods are considered valid matching components. Grants of up to $80,000/year (for no more than three years) are considered. Development grants of up to $10,000 are also available to explore the feasibility and support of a project before submitting an application.

Eligibility

In addition to Vancouver Foundation’s general eligibility guidelines, the following criteria also apply:

  • the project is anchored by an institution or organization based in BC and recognized for carrying out research activities
  • the project has two co-leads: one from a research institution; the other from a community-based organization
  • the project is (or will be) approved by a research ethics review board

Do You Have the Correct Field of Interest?

Even if there is a community-based participatory focus to your project, it may align better to a different granting field of interest.

How to Apply

Vancouver Foundation has a two-stage application process. The first stage is a Letter of Intent, which is a brief proposal assessed against the priorities and criteria of the Field of Interest you selected. If your proposal aligns well with the Field of Interest, then the second stage is to submit a full grant application upon request.

Review the CBHR Letter of Intent Guide and then submit a letter of intent online.

Advisory Committee

Vancouver Foundation works with an advisory committee of researchers and community members to assess applications and to make funding recommendations. Advisory committee members are from across British Columbia and generously volunteer their time and energy to help shape our work and to ensure that we remain in touch with the communities we serve.

Vancouver Foundation Contacts

 

Karen Estrin

Assistant, Grants & Community Initiatives

Tel: 604.688.2204

karen.estrin@vancouverfoundation.ca

Niveria Oliveira
Manager, Grants & Community Initiatives
Tel: 604.688.2204


Dave Doig
Director, Grants & Community Initiatives
Tel: 604.688.2204


 


Other funding opportunities in health and medical research:

Public health bursaries

For post-graduate students in the field of Public or Community health practice

 

 

 

 

Letter of Intent: submit here

UPCOMING DEADLINES

Spring 2012 Deadlines

Letters of Intent:
January 27

Applications: March 16

Final Decision: mid June

Fall 2012 Deadlines

Letters of Intent: July 27

Applications: September 14

Final Decision:
mid December

Letter of intent Guide

Review the CBHR Letter of Intent Guide and then submit a letter of intent online.

Grants