$3.5M Gift to Double Number of Momentous Community-Based Research Projects

July 18, 2023

Four-year commitment provides reliable support for increased student success, meaningful engagement with local communities

A $3.5-million gift will double the number of community-based research projects at Trent University, creating a lasting impact that allows more students to gain valuable hands-on experience and create meaningful change in the Peterborough region.

The anonymous Trent supporter, who provided $1.2 million earlier this year following the launch of the Campaign for Momentous Change, has increased total support to $3.5 million, recognizing the needs and benefits of the Trent Community Research Centre (TCRC). The additional funds will create an endowment to provide reliable ongoing funding for training students and employers, enhancing hands-on learning opportunities, providing funds for primary research, and covering travel and other expenses for students to complete research projects in the Peterborough area.

“Trent University is a catalyst for community well-being and success through its thought leadership, research, collaborative endeavours, and community-building initiatives including community-based research,” says Julie Davis, vice-president External Relations & Development at Trent University. “We thank the supporter for this transformational gift that strengthens our ability for many years for academia and communities to come together to address complex and urgent societal challenges.”

For more than 25 years, the TCRC has facilitated meaningful, and purposeful community-based research projects in Peterborough City and County, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Durham Region, and Northumberland County.

Community-based research brings together the research expertise of Trent University faculty and students with the knowledge and research needs of a wide range of community groups and organizations including municipalities, social service agencies, conservation authorities, and interest groups.   Centre staff work alongside faculty to support students in their work and help guide projects toward successful outcomes for both the local community and students.

“Whether it’s groundbreaking research with the Five Counties Children’s Centre or the Brain Injury Association of Peterborough Region, Trent students are using community-based research opportunities to gain valuable experiential learning in areas close to their hearts and creating momentous change in our communities,” said Kevin Whitmore, director of Careerspace at Trent.

Learn more about Trent’s community-based research.