The Community Connect Grant
Have an idea that could make a difference in your community?
The Community Connect Grant (CCG) supports UVic students in turning ideas into action through community-engaged activities that create a positive impact beyond campus.
Whether you want to organize a community event, launch a creative initiative, build connections across communities, or respond to a local need you care about, this grant is here to help bring your ideas to life.
Students can apply for $500 to $2,000 to support community engagement activities. Activities can be developed: in partnership with a community organization, or independently, if they respond to a clearly identified community need.
Have an idea but not sure if it’s the right fit? Reach out to discuss your idea and timeline before applying at celoffice@uvic.ca.
2027 Focus: Community Safety and Wellbeing
For 2027, in partnership with the City of Victoria, a dedicated Community Connect Grant stream will support innovative student-led community engagement activities that contribute to safety, connection, and wellbeing within the city of Victoria municipality that create meaningful experiential learning opportunities for students.
Successful applications will receive matched funding up to $2000 to help students bring meaningful community engagement ideas to life while creating positive local impact.
Priority will be given to student proposals for activities that:
- foster a sense of belonging
- strengthen social cohesion or reduce social isolation
- enhance community wellbeing and vibrancy, and/or
- support safe, inclusive, and connected neighbours or neighbourhoods.
Proposals should clearly demonstrate how your idea contributes to one or more of these focus areas. An eligible idea may include events, workshops, arts, or cultural initiatives, outreach activities, or other community-engaged ideas that respond to local needs.
Note: The CEL Office will accept applications that do not address Community Safety and Wellbeing or are outside of the City of Victoria’s boundaries, but those applicants WILL NOT be eligible to receive matching funds from the City of Victoria. Applicants that fall within this category can apply for between $500 to $1000.
Application deadline
Applications will open October 1, 2026, and will be accepted on a rolling basis until November 5, 2026.
A rolling application process means you can apply at any time before the final deadline; however, students are strongly encouraged to apply early.
- Applications will be reviewed through two adjudication rounds:
- October 12, 2026: First application round closes. Applying early may provide an opportunity to receive feedback, strengthen your proposal, and resubmit before the final deadline if revisions are recommended.
- November 5, 2026: Second application round closes
Funding timeline
- October 1, 2026: Grant application opens
- October 12, 2026: First round of applications closes
- November 5, 2026: Second round of application closes/final deadline
- January 2027: Welcome meet and greet with successful applicants
- January to August 2027:
- Students work with community partners to plan and deliver their activities
- Students attend at least three peer meetings
- April 2027: Midway check-in (including submitting tracking of actual funds/receipts spent to date)
- August 15, 2027: All activities must be completed
- August 30, 2027: Submit final report form and final budget tracking report, including receipts
- September 2027: Showcase and reflection on your experience (informal celebration, food, music)
Application & resources
Review the following toolkit and templates for details on scope, eligibility criteria, eligible and ineligible expense, evaluation rubric, reporting/tracking information, and how to best address each question in the application: