General FAQ
I submitted my project description, why haven't I heard from you?
We intend to review all applications in April and May, and our goal is to communicate results and offer funding in June of the competition year. For any updates on this process, please ensure you subscribe to our newsletter.
Whether your application is successful or not, you will be contacted about the result.
How can I get funding for my project from SFU’s Community Engagement Initiative?
To receive funding from CEI, your project must meet the criteria set out in an active Call for Proposals as well as some general criteria.
How much money does the CEI provide for each project?
SFU endeavors to make available a total of approximately $100,000 each year to seed projects developed with community partners that strengthen relationships and have meaningful impact. We typically receive approximately 50 proposals each year. On average, we are able to fund approximately 20 of these at an average level of approximately $5,700 each. The range of disbursements in most years is from $1,000 to a maximum of $10,000. Those selected are most closely aligned with the university's SFU's Strategic Community Engagement Plan in ways that advance the priorities and values of What's Next: the SFU Strategy, furthering relationships with SFU communities through community engagement, research and knowledge mobilization, and student experiential learning. The quality of proposals has been increasing each year..
How can I find out if my project fits the criteria for a funding opportunity?
Detailed information about the process, the review criteria and how to seek out further information is provided in the material on the Criteria and Eligibility page, the Funding Process page, and in each year’s Call for Proposals. If you have additional questions, please contact Matthew Grant, Director, Community Engagement, at ce-initiative@sfu.ca.
How many projects does the CEI fund each year?
A complete list of CEI-funded projects is available under the Funded Projects section. Approximately 20 projects are funded each year.
What type of activities does the CEI support?
- Seed funding for new collaborative community engagement projects and programs featuring the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources within a context of partnership and reciprocity
- Seed funding for the development of programs or capabilities that can support or enhance SFU’s capacity to collaborate with its communities
- One-time costs to expand ongoing initiatives to other campuses or communities and to secure longer-term funding for activities
Can I meet with the review committee to discuss my project prior to being shortlisted?
No. The CEI review committee does not meet individually with applicants. If you wish to discuss your project prior to the shortlist process, please contact ce-initiative@sfu.ca
What increases my chance of being funded?
Proposals that are aligned with SFU's Strategic Community Engagement Plan are highly ranked, especially those that strengthen relationships and partnerships with community and include robust opportunities for experiential learning and knowledge mobilization.
I've completed my project – are you going to amplify it?
We would be pleased to speak further with you about the story of your project. If this is of interest to you, please connect with us at ce-initiative@sfu.ca
Can I apply for other sources of funding?
We strongly encourage all applicants to pursue additional sources of funding concurrently, if/where permitted to do so – doing so will not harm your CEI evaluation, and may actually strengthen a case where partial funding is under consideration.
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