Centre for Community Based Research (CCBR)

Established in 1982 by a group of academics and social advocates, John Lord, Peggy Hutchinson, and Harvey Savage the Centre for Community Based Research (CCBR) is a non-profit organization that does community-based research, program evaluation, community mobilization, and training (see the full list of our services on our website: www.communitybasedresearch.ca). It is located on the University of Waterloo campus, and has sourced funding for and executed over 450 projects on a range of societal issues in collaboration with diverse equity-seeking groups. These projects include either conducting community-based research (e.g., evaluation, needs assessment, policy research), or promoting community-based research (e.g., capacity-building for non-profits, institutions, government, and students). CCBR is committed to social justice and to building communities that are responsive and supportive, especially for people with limited access to power and opportunity. It conducts and promotes research, training and evaluation that is community-driven, participatory, and action-oriented. These principles guide us throughout all stages of our projects, including proposal development and grant writing. Originally called the Centre for Research and Education in Human Services (CREHS), in those first years CCBR promoted a style to research that was still marginal in Canada – one that relied on participatory approaches and qualitative methods. Over the years, CCBR expanded the number and diversity of projects and methodologies, with new partnerships across Canada and internationally. Over 300 staff, students, and interns have contributed to the work of CCBR and helped to create a more just society through the power of research and community.