CALGARY - Bow Valley College (BVC) has received a Community and College Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF) from Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). Together, with our partners Mount Royal University, the Town of High River, and the United Way of Calgary, BVC will be researching: Social Innovation on the Ground: Accessible and Evidence-Based Tools for Social Innovators.

Through the CCSIF, Colleges and polytechnics across Canada received nearly $6 million in federal support to research social issues. Over the course of three years, the CSIF will provide $15 million to help support projects and colleges and polytechnics that foster social innovation in Canada.

"We are very pleased to support the CCSIF, and through it, the development of multi-sectoral research at our colleges and polytechnics. These investments will advance meaningful, creative solutions to pressing social challenges that will bring real change to communities across Canada," said Ted Hewitt, President, SSHRC.

Using the funds, BVC and its partners, intend to launch an accessible and evidence-based guide to planning and evaluating social innovation. The web-based toolkit will help users plan and evaluate social innovation, ensuring effective collaboration and the best use of available resources.

"This federal grant is a significant milestone in the development of BVC's applied research capacity. It recognizes the College as a key player in community and college based applied research and social innovation. We are proud of this achievement and excited to work with our partners to create impact for Canadians and their communities," said Russ Wilde, Director, Academic Innovation and Applied Research.

The CCSIF is administered by the SSHRC and aims to increase college capacity to engage in collaborative projects with community organizations and businesses in order to address social issues. Launched as a pilot project in 2014, the fund's goal is to expand research opportunities for Canadian colleges, institutes and their partners.

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Editor's Note  
The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) is the federal agency that promotes and supports post-secondary-based research and training in the humanities and social sciences. By focusing on developing Talent, generating Insights and forging Connections across campuses and communities, SSHRC strategically supports world-leading initiatives that reflect a commitment to ensuring a better future for Canada and the world.