About Spaces 4 Change

Spaces for Change (S4C) is a UK wide programme that will find, fund, support and connect young people aged 16-24 to start and run social ventures that unlock the potential of unused or under-utilised spaces for the benefit of the local community, especially other young people.

From 2016-2019 100 awards will be available for young leaders consisting of up to £5,000 project funding, a dedicated award manager providing tailored support, cohort support, and peer to peer networking opportunities for sharing knowledge and learning.

Young people aged 18 – 24 will also have the opportunity to crowd fund alongside their award with support from Spacehive. This will enable the young person to demonstrate tangible support from the local community for their idea, learn valuable skills, as well as increasing the chances of sustainability of the social venture.

Criteria for applying

To apply for an award, see below for the criteria:

Eligibility

  • be between the age of 16-24
  • If over 18 be willing to crowdfund a minimum of £100 via Spacehive to support the sustainability of social venture
  • live in the UK
  • have an idea for a social venture that will unlock the potential benefits of unused or under-utilised spaces for the local community, especially other young people
  • apply as an individual or an informal group of up to four people (with groups only the lead will complete the application form, the lead will also be responsible for the award)
  • fulfil a clear demand and need, with clear outputs and goals

Applicants will not be eligible if their social venture idea is:

  • part of their paid employment
  • involves political or religious campaigning
  • involves activities outside of the law or against public policy, or anything that encourages ethnic, religious or commercial disharmony
  • involves employing people
  • mainly for people to achieve academic qualifications
  • funding living expenses
  • led by or part of an established organisation

Application Process

What to expect:

  • Applicant completes Expression of Interest (EOI) at youngunltd.org.uk
  • If EOI is successful, the applicant completes further application questions, including the amount of pledged crowd funding if over 18. Those under 18 will not be asked to crowdfund
  • If successful, the applicant will be invited to attend pitching panel to pitch their idea
  • If successful, the applicant becomes an Award Winner and crowdfunding commences
  • Once the crowd funding amount has been raised the Award Winner will agree to UnLtd Terms and Conditions, provides bank details and completes a schedule payment.
  • Upon receipt of favourable references, the first payment (no more than 50%) will be released to the Award Winner
  • Support package will commence and subsequent payments will be released
  • At the end of the support period the Award Winner will be asked to complete a short survey

Key Dates

  • EOI Deadline 15th January 2017
  • Application Deadline 5th February 2017
  • Pitching 21st, 22nd & 23rd February 2017
  • Decision Week commencing 27th March 2017
  • Crowdfunding Period 30 days from decision

Further Information

Please contact Nuala Smyth, Award Manager at nualasmyth@unltd.org.uk or on 028 9094 1619 for more information about Spaces 4 Change at UnLtd.