Nonprofits and charities: Access research resources and librarian support.

MacEwan University is proud to be part of the Community Scholars Program, a Simon Fraser University Library–led initiative that connects people working in nonprofit and charitable organizations with access to scholarly publications and librarian research support. 

What the Program Offers 

Community Scholars Program members receive: 

  • Access to a research portal with thousands of academic peer‑reviewed journal articles.
  • A searchable database of grey literature and policy documents (reports, briefs, evaluations, working papers).
  • Support from librarians with conducting research.
  • Training materials and short workshops tailored for nonprofit research needs. 

Who is Eligible? 

Individuals employed by registered charitable or nonprofit organizations that serve communities in the Edmonton region are currently eligible to apply. 

As space in the program is limited, we ask that only those who need immediate access to its services apply. 

Note: If you do not meet these requirements, you still have options to access library research resources:

How to Apply 

Edmonton region: Email communityscholars@macewan.ca with a brief description of your organization and why you would like to join the program.

Elsewhere in Canada: Visit Community Scholars Program partner sites to learn more:

Academic Library Partners

MacEwan University Library serves as a regional hub for the Community Scholars Program across Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories. 

Academic libraries in these regions that are interested in partnering to lead a local Community Scholars Program are invited to submit an expression of interest.

Expressions of interest should provide a brief overview of the following: 

Capacity to support program delivery 
Please outline your library’s readiness to participate as a Community Scholars Program partner, including: 

  • Interest in a three-year commitment (with the option to begin with a one-year term)
  • Anticipated level of partnership (see: Partnership levels)
  • Plans to designate a librarian to support the program (approximately 4 hours/month) 
  • How this role would engage with community participants, develop relationships with the nonprofit sector, and contribute to the broader Community Scholars network 

Approach to community engagement 
Please describe how your library’s current activities and strategic priorities align with the Community Scholars Program. This may include: 

  • Existing or planned initiatives that demonstrate community engagement 
  • Relevant strategic directions, frameworks, or institutional commitments 
  • Established relationships or programs with community organizations 
  • Alignment with the program’s approach, including a commitment to knowledge exchange, open access to research, community–university connections, and diverse ways of knowing and learning 

A brief expression of interest (approximately 1–2 pages) is all that’s required.

To submit an expression of interest or request additional information about the program, please contact communityscholars@macewan.ca.  

For more information about the program, visit the  Community Scholars Program website.