Tap into the power of 'if'
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.
Bring your ideas to life
If you have an idea that you think could help address a particular need in your community that relates to mental wellbeing and are keen to collaborate with researchers, we want to hear from you.
We offer 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.
The scheme has been designed to test a new way of funding that connects communities with researchers to access knowledge, research skills and resources. We brought together community members, researchers and public engagement professionals and designed a fund together that is...
- Place-based
- Focused on mental wellbeing
- Committed to funding ideas with potential
Applications to The Ideas Fund are currently closed. You can read more about our learning from the application process during the first round here. We recently announced the successful projects from the first round of applications. You can read the full list here.
Never Alone
One of the projects funded in the first round will be delivered by Oldham Athletic Community Trust. The project is designed to connect retired or nearly retired Oldham Athletic football fans through sharing memories, walking and watching classic matches. Researchers will support project development and provide insights on maintaining memory and wellbeing.
OPEN Space Project
Another project which has received funding will be run by Voluntary Action Shetland.
OPEN Space Project conducts youth-led research and analysis on the creation of a new safe space for young people in Lerwick, where they can come together, and feel a sense of belonging and ownership. Their work focuses on peer education and mentoring plus they run an emotional wellbeing and resilience project and Café. The researchers will be involved in training and supporting young people.
Latest
The Ideas Fund project funding announcement
The Ideas Fund has today announced the 42 projects it will be funding following the first round of grant applications received earlier this year.
Reflections on Round One
Ahead of the announcement next week confirming the successful projects from the first round of The Ideas Fund, we reflect on what we’ve learnt from the process so far.
Application now open and reflections so far
Having launched the application form this week, it feels like a good time to share some reflections and what we’ve learned so far.
From Twitter
RT @philmartin100: Excellent work as always @MariaPalmai for the @TheIdeasFund supported project with Roma in Oldham @OldhamColiseum @Kasko…
RT @y3llow_wood: Wow. We are so lucky to have @ebond197 and all our peer researchers/mentors continuing with our coproduction process for t…
RT @DrGrainneMcAnee: This is a longer listen but if you have time listen to @ebond197 telling us what her Healthy Connections journey mean…