[BC-Wide] Community-University Engagement Support Fund (deadline: Sept 25, 2025)

We are now accepting applications for the 2025/26 Community-University Engagement Support (CUES) Fund. This year, we have a total of $700,000 to fund up to 28 community-university projects. 

The CUES Fund awards up to $25,000 to projects that foster strong, equitable, and reciprocal relationships between UBC students, faculty, staff, and community partners. A first of its kind at UBC—and possibly in Canada—CUES provides funds directly to community partners, removing financial barriers that can prevent collaboration.

This means that community partners, including those historically, persistently, or systemically marginalized, can better participate in initiatives, and UBC participants can work with partners who might otherwise lack the capacity to engage. By enabling university collaborators to contribute resources—not just request time or knowledge—CUES helps build trust, strengthen relationships, and create conditions for more meaningful, long-term partnerships.

We invite applicants looking to develop new or existing community-university relationships and especially welcome applications for collaborative projects that advance: 

• Equity, diversity and inclusion  
• Indigenous engagement and reconciliation  
• Health innovation and community wellbeing
• Sustainability and climate action  
• Teaching, learning and research excellence

The fund is open to BC-based community organizations and UBC students, faculty and staff.

Important dates and deadlines 

September 25, 2025 — Deadline to submit a Notice of Intent (NOI). All co-applicants must submit a brief NOI to confirm their eligibility and provide a short description of their proposed work together. 

November 21, 2025 — Deadline to submit full application. Following the NOI deadline, all eligible partners will receive an invitation to submit a full application.

Attend an info session on Sept 9 to learn more about the CUES Fund.