Collaborative community development within higher education institutions is becoming increasingly important as a way to promote inclusive and equitable outcomes for all students and members of the community. This approach focuses on building partnerships and working closely with community organizations and members to address shared challenges and achieve common goals. This can include initiatives related to education, research, service, and engagement.

Collaboration can help to bridge the gap between the resources and expertise of the university and the needs of the surrounding community, leading to more effective and sustainable solutions. Furthermore, Collaborative Community Development within Higher Education Institutions can also foster a sense of shared responsibility and mutual benefit, supporting the development of strong, resilient communities.

Moreover, as social and economic disparities have been widely acknowledged as major issues in many communities and there is an increasing expectation for Higher Education Institutions to support and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals, which has further accentuated the importance of collaborative community development.

As the commitment of Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), through World University Association for Community Development (WUACD), to enhance international collaboration for community development programs, UNAIR provides a grant and matching-fund scheme for the WUACD’s members. The funding scheme is to support initiatives and projects that aim to improve the overall well-being and quality of life for members of a specific community. There are two schemes of Airlangga Community Development Grant:

1. Matching-fund program among WUACD members.
2. Airlangga Grant.