With the successful launch of UNBC’s refreshed strategic plan, Ready, providing a galvanizing framework, the first exciting initiative stems from the community engagement process and supports the University’s vision of leading a sustainable future through education, research and community impact.

UNBC is launching the Ignite & Inspire Investment Fund (IIIF)  – a fund to ignite, inspire and propel our students, faculty and staff in their efforts to lead change that will result in impactful and sustainable outcomes. The IIIF will support novel and innovative proposals, with funding available to a maximum of $25,000 per project.

“Ready has provided UNBC with a framework for excellence; now it’s up to the University community to unleash our creativity and help UNBC lead the way to a more sustainable future for all,” says UNBC President Dr. Geoff Payne. “This community is filled with passionate people and backed by a community that fought for our existence, we are uniquely positioned to explore and address the most pressing challenges facing the world today. The IIIF will inspire our students, educators, researchers and employees to find local solutions to these global concerns.”

The proposals will be assessed on their alignment with UNBC’s strategic plan and be awarded across the four themes and foundational goals:  

1. Cultivating Curiosity: Proposals that excel at teaching, learning, inquiry and fostering a culture of curiosity.  
2. Act on Truth and Reconciliation: Proposals that demonstrate commitment to elevating reconciliation with Indigenous peoples through dialogue, education, research, relationships and service.
3. Empowering Northern Communities: Projects that strive to be collaborative partners and capacity builders, aiming to advance healthy, productive and thriving communities.
4. Fostering Local Solutions for Global Impact: Proposals that demonstrate how local knowledge and solutions can be mobilized for wider global impact.  
5. Foundational Goals: Proposals that indicate alignment with UNBC’s foundational goals, including supporting fulfilling student learning journeys, celebrating and sharing the best of UNBC achievements, attracting and retaining outstanding individuals and influencing local and global policy.   

Proposal submissions must be received by 4:30 p.m. PST on November 30, 2023, with successful applicants scheduled to be notified by December 15, 2023. Approved projects can begin as of January 1, 2024, and must be completed by December 31, 2024.

The IIIF represents a commitment to nurturing innovation and change in line with UNBC’s strategic vision. More information about the fund, how to structure a proposal, applying and the evaluation process are available on the Ignite & Inspire Investment Fund website.