Deadline: 7 August 2024
The Firstport is pleased to announce the Social Innovation Challenge that funds and supports innovators to kick-start solutions that tackle some of the most pressing challenges of time.
Every year, the process starts by listening to communities across Scotland to find out what social issues people care most about at that moment in time.
Theme
- The 2024 Social Innovation Challenge is focused on breaking barriers to better health and wellbeing.
- This edition will look to support innovative social enterprise solutions that address the core inequalities related to health and wellbeing in Scotland.
- It is an unfortunate fact that health and wellbeing outcomes have been declining for a number of years within Scotland, with persisting inequalities and falling life expectancy, particularly within the most deprived communities. As such, they believe they need to invest in new approaches to try and tackle these issues at the root.
- The Challenge invites applications for new projects that can remove key barriers preventing individuals or communities from enjoying their right to health and wellbeing. Solutions should be focused on delivering long-term positive social impact directly to individuals or communities.
Funding Information
- The winner will receive a £50,000 grant and tailored support for the duration of their award to help them kick-start their solution. The other finalists will also receive bespoke support in the form of additional signposting or introductions to alternative sources of funding or capacity-building programmes.
Eligibility Criteria
- If applying as a registered social enterprise:
- The enterprise is incorporated and registered with OSCR or Companies House.
- The enterprise is an asset-locked body with a registered office in Scotland.
- If applying as an individual or an unincorporated group:
- The lead applicant is 16 or over.
- The lead applicant is either a permanent resident of Scotland or has a visa / leave to remain that covers the award period (usually 2 years from the award date).
- There is an intention to incorporate an asset-locked social enterprise with a registered office in Scotland (funding will be released on successful incorporation.)
- Applicable to all submissions:
- The funded project must seek to provide an innovative solution which breaks down core barriers driving inequality in health and well-being outcomes.
- The enterprise’s activities do not involve political campaigning or the advancement of religion.
- The enterprise aims to provide direct social benefit to individuals, communities, and/or the environment.
For more information, visit Firstport.
