Aims/priorities: The Ideas Fund is a grants programme run by the British Science Association and funded by Wellcome, which enables the UK public to develop and try out ideas that address problems related to mental wellbeing. We want to promote diversity and inclusion by supporting great, innovative ideas that focus on improving mental wellbeing.
We will help communities tackle the problems that matter to them by connecting them with research professionals so they can work together to bring their ideas to life and both build new skills and relationships.
Who can apply? We want to build relationships between communities and researchers and we are especially interested in proposals from within the community - particularly from rural or minority ethnic communities or from young, marginalised, or socioeconomically disadvantaged people.
If you work within an organisation (e.g. social enterprise, charity, arts organisation, or University) you can also apply, but you will need to show you already have a relationship with the community you want to work with. You will also need to demonstrate that your idea focuses on an issue the community itself wants to address.
Grant amount: We're offering early stage grants of up to £25,000 and larger grants of around £90,000 in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, Hull, North West Northern Ireland and Oldham.
Application process: The application process is simple and supportive - there are no complicated forms to fill in and our Development Coordinators will help you work out how much your idea will cost, put you in touch with professional researchers or other communities and support you through the process.
We are holding themed pre-application workshops followed by time with The Ideas Fund team to ask questions. These are an opportunity hear more about aspects of the Fund, and you don't need to already have an idea or a link to a researcher to join. The talks will be recorded for you to watch back and will all have live captions and BSL interpretation.
- 18 February 2021 at 14:00 - Why The Ideas Fund
- 4 March 2021 at 14:00 - What does Mental Wellbeing mean to you?
- 18 March 2021 at 14:00 - What does your ideal partnership look like? Building community-researcher partnerships.
We are also holding local sessions in each area between these workshops, so you can get to know your local Development Coordinator and start to think through your idea. For Oldham this is:
Oldham - 26 February 2021, 14:00 - Click here to book your place on a pre-application workshop.
Deadline: The application form will be on line from mid-April and the deadline for applications is midday on 14 May 2021
Contact Information:
Website address: www.theideasfund.org/about