Funding to Explore Bold Ideas for Social Change in the UK

Do you have an idea that could spark real social change? A new funding opportunity is now open for individuals, groups and small organisations across the UK who want to challenge injustice and reimagine how things could be done differently.

Grants of up to £20,000 for up to 18 months are available to help early-stage ideas grow, experiment, and take shape. This opportunity is designed to give changemakers the space and support they need to test new approaches with the potential to transform systems, shift power, and create fairer outcomes for communities.

What Kind of Ideas Are Funded?

Funded ideas should be bold, brave and charitable in purpose — aiming to tackle root causes rather than symptoms. 

The fund is particularly interested in projects that are:

• Challenging injustice – with a clear vision to help build a better, fairer society by addressing the causes of systemic oppression.
• Emerging – ideas still forming, where there’s room to experiment, learn and refine.
• Focused on long-term potential – aiming to create lasting social impact, even if at an early stage today.

Ideas can work at either a local or national level.

What the Funding Can Cover

The grant can be used flexibly to help you develop your idea, including (but not limited to):

• Research and scoping work.
• Gathering evidence for a campaign.
• Bringing people or communities together to build collective power.
• Paying yourself or others to deliver this work.

Who Can Apply

Applications are welcome from:

• Individuals.
• Groups or collectives working together (you don’t need to be a registered organisation).
• Small organisations with a turnover under £150,000.

While priority is given to applicants aged 18–30, applications from those aged 30 and over will also be considered.

Support is available throughout the process — including pre-application access support and a bursary of up to £750 to help applicants take part.

Key Deadline

Applications close on 2 December 2025 at 1:00pm.

Ideas and Pioneers Fund - Paul Hamlyn Foundation

This is an exciting opportunity for anyone in the VCSE community with an idea that dares to imagine a better future. Whether you’re working to challenge inequality, strengthen community power, or create fairer systems — this fund could help you take that first important step.