Spark Awards

The Spark Awards for Big Changemakers

Reimagine the future and spark lasting change for all young people.

Thank you to everyone how has applied to the Spark Awards for Big Changemakers. The application window has now closed.

We will fund and support up to 10 young leaders or teams, based in England, aged between 18 and 25.

£0

The selected projects will receive a grant of up to £40,000 for their project.

1 year

You will receive a 12-month tailored learning and development programme worth up to £10,000.

About the Spark Awards

Through the Spark Awards we will fund up to ten 18-25 year olds, living in England, who have a pilot-ready project that is reimagining how we create positive social change for all young people, this is a chance to grow, connect, and spark lasting change.

Recipients will enjoy:

Funding and support.
Coaching to help you prioritise personal growth and develop your leadership skills.
Joining our community of changemakers, and experience the joy of creating social change.
Growing in confidence as you build on your ideas for social change.
Exploring your imagination as you discover new passions and have fun.

Funding and Support

Up to 10 young leaders, or teams of three, will receive a grant of up to £40,000 to develop their project, and take part in a 12-month tailored learning and development programme run in partnership with The Young Foundation, worth up to £10,000.

This includes:

1-2-1 support tailored to individual needs, providing supportive challenge and space for reflection.
Peer learning to build network connections and receive support and challenge in a safe environment as you test your ideas.
In-person residential's to connect with your peers and build your knowledge of innovation with a focus on 'piloting' approaches.
Online masterclasses and guest speakers in focused online sessions providing insight on specific challenges, approaches, and topics.

Could your project spark lasting change?

We will support leaders with projects that address the root causes of the problem they seek to solve, and focus on one or more of the following outcomes for young people:

Purpose: Helping young people explore their passions, set goals, and contribute to their communities.
Agency: Empowering young people to make informed decisions and take purposeful action.
Relationships: Building strong, trusting relationships that support emotional and social well-being.
Growth: Supporting young people to see challenges as opportunities and develop the skills and character they need.

Discover more in our FAQs

Young people have an incredible capacity to deliver change, especially for each other. They often think beyond the system and lean into the realities of their peers. This is what leads to the hopeful and transformative shifts that we so desperately need. These awards are a powerful step to supporting them to lead and inspire a better future.
Jaiden Corfield, Advisor, Big Change

Young people want to be a part of the solution - they have brilliant ideas and projects but too often struggle to get taken seriously or have access to funding and networks to make change a reality. The Spark Awards exist to change this by investing in visionary young leaders who can challenge the status quo, reimagine their futures, and drive the powerful, systemic changes needed to create a world where all young people can truly thrive.
Essie North, CEO of Big Change

Activism isn’t just actions or social media, it always starts with a passion, and people need to be in touch with that first – everyone has a voice that can turn society on its head, it’s just about feeling empowered enough to use it
Elijah McKenzie Jackson, Artist and Activist

Young people make up nearly 1/4 of our population – but 100% of our future. Yet, for far too long, they are relegated to the sidelines of conversations that shape this future. It’s time to change that. Let’s start by asking young people what they really need and build a future where they can truly thrive.
Saeed Atcha, CEO, Youth Leads UK

KEY DATES

Stay on track with the important milestones for the awards. These key dates will guide you through the application process and ensure that you’re well-prepared every step of the way.

26th Feburary

Applications open

Start preparing your application early to ensure you have everything in place. This is your opportunity to showcase your vision and ideas for change.

20th April

Applications close

Make sure you submit your application by 11.59pm. Late applications will not be considered, so ensure you’ve reviewed your materials and are ready to submit on time.

Mid May

Shortlisted candidates are notified

If you’ve been shortlisted, we will notify you by mid-May. This will be the first step in the selection process.

End of May

Shortlisted candidates pitch

If you are shortlisted, you will be asked to submit a more detailed pitch of your project, including its impact, strategy, and vision. This is your chance to help us dive deeper into your project.

Early June

Shortlisted Candidates Interviewed

If you have been shortlisted to this stage you will be invited for an interview to discuss your project in more detail. This is an opportunity to showcase your passion, and the impact you aim to make.

Late June

Recipients Notified

By the end of June, we will notify all those awarded a grant. If you’re selected, you will be invited to move forward with funding and support.

July

We will undertake due diligence and issue the grant agreements.

August

We will publicly announce the recipients of the Spark Awards.

Big love & thanks to our partners who have made these Awards possible.

Virgin Unite

Virgin Unite is the independent non-profit foundation of the Virgin Group.

The Ferdinando & Luigi Innocenti Foundation

Creating opportunities and new experiences for young people to find their passion and live with purpose.