Finding funding for community-based research

 

Here are a list of possible sources of funding for HIV/AIDS related community-based research.

 

The CIHR HIV/AIDS Community-Based Research (CBR) Program assists community-based organizations, non-governmental organizations and institutions in developing the knowledge necessary to carry out their HIV/AIDS work in the most effective manner, and in creating expertise within these communities to conduct their own research. There are several funding opportunities available each year, which are always posted on their website.

 

The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) is the federal agency that promotes and supports post-secondary research and training in the humanities and social sciences. Their Insight program aims to support and foster excellence in social sciences and humanities research intended to deepen, widen and increase our collective understanding of individuals and societies, as well as to inform the search for solutions to societal challenges. Find out more information about this program on their website.

 

The Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research (MSFHR), funded by the government of British Columbia, is our province’s health research support agency. MSFHR’s mandate is to strengthen BC’s health research enterprise – which in turn improves the health of British Columbians, their health system and their economy. For current funding opportunities visit their website.

 

The ​Indigenous HIV and AIDS Community-Based Research Collaborative Centre (AHA Centre) has a Community Engagement Fund. The purpose of the program is to assist Indigenous communities, Indigenous AIDS service organizations, and Indigenous students interested in carrying out a research project, but who do not have the resources (human and/or financial) to prepare a proposal.

 

The Vancouver Foundation has Participatory Action Research Grants funding stream which includes both Convening Grants and Investigative Grants that are meant to support research that is co-led by community members and researchers to learn more about the root causes of pressing issues impacting the health of communities.

Learning the ropes around funding applications for community-based research can be intimidating — PAN’s community-based research program is here to help! If you are a PAN member or part of BC’s HIV community, please get in touch with the Director of Evaluation and Community-Based Research for assistance.