Community-based Research
Community-based research (CBR) can go by many names, including community-based participatory research, action research, participatory action research, and community-engaged research.
At its core, community-based research is that which is conducted in collaboration with community members to address a community-identified question, with the goal of producing knowledge and social action, change, and/or justice.
In this context, “community” may refer to a specific organization, geographic area, or collection of individuals or grassroots groups with a common goal.
Some key characteristics that define community-based research:
- Academic researchers work alongside community members, who are as involved in the project as they wish to be, which may mean simply informing the research question and dissemination, all the way to taking on the role of co-researchers
- Relationships of academics with community partners are expected to be equitable, respectful, and mutually beneficial
- Partnerships should provide outputs that are useful to the community, as well as outputs that are useful in the academy
- Community wisdom is valued as a different form of knowledge alongside academic knowledge
Community-based research can be applied in a wide variety of disciplines, and is especially appropriate for:
- Researchers who have a social justice orientation
- Researchers looking to work with vulnerable populations that have historically been mistreated by the academy (e.g. American Indians) to undo that damage
- Projects that would be greatly enhanced by community input (e.g. health interventions)
- Collaborative projects
Association of Community-Engaged Scholars: Graduate students interested in community-based research can join the Association of Community-Engaged Scholars (ACES), a network of community-minded graduate students.
Community Engagement Workshop: We offer a range of resources to help support student, staff and faculty strengthen their understanding of community engagement and learn strategies and dispositions that can lead to mutually beneficial projects and partnerships.
Community-based research Grants: We offer competitive grants to support community-based research projects. Faculty members, staff members, and graduate students are eligible to apply.
Community-based learning Course Development Grant: We offer competitive grants to support the design and creation of community-based learning courses. Grant funds can be used to support both undergraduate and graduate courses.
Engaged Scholarship Course: Each fall semester we offer a one-credit course, Best Practices of community-engaged scholarship.
Engaged Scholars Listserv: You may find it helpful to join our Engaged Scholarship listserv to receive regular updates, opportunities and events.
Morgridge Fellows Program: The purpose of the Morgridge Fellows program is to further institutionalize and support Community-Engaged Scholarship at UW–Madison.
Benefits
- Community-based research methods help increase validity of the data: authenticity comes with trust of partners.
- Community-based research addresses real-world concerns and is immediately relevant.
- Vulnerable populations may be more willing to work with academics using this more equitable methodology.
- You can be a part of the Wisconsin Idea.
- CBR methods provide researchers with the ability to collect data more accurately, as community members have helped determine research methods.
- CBR works for social action, social change, and social justice while building community capacity.
- You can find increased funding opportunities.
Things to consider
- CBR can be more time-consuming, as it takes time to develop trust and relationships.
- CBR is not always possible with all research topics.
- Some researchers are not comfortable with the approach and may not succeed at power-sharing with community partners.
- Additional training on both sides may be necessary.
- Cultural differences may prove challenging.
There are many community-based research projects and collaborations going on at UW–Madison. To learn more, check out the following:
Apply for CBR Funding
CBR projects are eligible for funding at any stage of development. This funding can be used to develop a CBR project, support implementation of a project, or provide gap or bridge funding for an existing project if other funding is forthcoming or likely.
This funding cannot be used for faculty member salary, but may pay staff members, student employees, or community partners. Proposals that use a portion of funding for community partner expenses will be given extra weight.
The application deadline has passed. We are no longer accepting applications.
Funding Details
The Morgridge Center offers competitive grants to support community-based research projects. CBR grants can be used to support projects in any discipline and at all levels that engage with community organizations, public sector entities or grassroots groups. Proposals are required to detail how the CBR project will meet community-identified priorities. Specifically, proposals should:
- Address a community-identified priority and/or question (that ideally comes initially from community partners rather than from UW-Madison partners)
- Include community partners at any and all stages of the research process, depending on community capacity and interest
- Work to build community capacity
- Work towards social change and justice
Extra consideration will be given to proposals addressing the Community Engagement Commitments developed by the Morgridge Center.
Criteria and Application Form
CBR projects are eligible for funding at any stage of development. This funding can be used to develop a CBR project, support implementation of a project, or provide gap or bridge funding for an existing project if other funding is forthcoming or likely.
This funding cannot be used for faculty member salary, but may pay staff members, student employees, or community partners. Proposals that use a portion of funding for community partner expenses will be given extra weight.
Review Criteria for Applicants: Click here to read more about grant guidelines and requirements.
Application Form: Click here for more information about the required elements of community-based research grant proposals.
Application Deadline: The application deadline has passed. We are no longer accepting applications.