Between 2002 and 2007, the Knowledge Development Centre at Imagine Canada funded 61 community-based and national research projects on volunteers and volunteering and published over 100 information resources based on these projects. All of the resources are available in both English and French in the Volunteers and Volunteering Research Collection.

The Knowledge Development Centre was funded by the Government of Canada through the Canada Volunteerism Initiative (CVI). The CVI was delivered through three national centres and thirteen local networks, one in each province and territory.

The overall goals of the CVI were to:

1. improve the ability of organizations to benefit from the contributions of volunteers,
2. encourage Canadians to participate in voluntary organizations, and
3. enhance the experience of volunteering.

The goals of the Knowledge Development Centre were to:

1. build the body of knowledge on volunteers and volunteerism, and
2. transfer this knowledge to voluntary organizations to improve their capacity to benefit Canadians.

Community Support Centre (2002-2007). In addition to its work at the Knowledge Development Centre, Imagine Canada was also actively involved in the work of the Community Support Centre. Operated by Volunteer Canada in partnership with Imagine Canada, the Community Support Centre provided funding for pilot and demonstration projects to develop and test innovative methods for encouraging, sustaining, and supporting volunteerism. Imagine Canada supported the work of the Community Support Centre by evaluating funded projects; developing training materials; reviewing information products; developing application guidelines, forms, and review forms; reviewing proposals submitted by national organizations; and participating in Centre’s advisory committee. The Community Support Centre was also funded by the Government of Canada through the Canada Volunteerism Initiative.