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As a creative person you are likely to have ideas or projects you would love to pursue.
How to fund these will be one of the first and most important practical steps you need to take to turn your ideas into reality. A new funding programme - IdeasFund - has been launched this year through the online magazine IdeasTap, to help you make the most of your creative potential. Read on to find out if you could be eligible to apply.
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Run by Peter De Haan Charitable Trust, IdeasTap is a not-for-profit initiative which works through the Internet and through a partnership network to support young creative individuals in collaborating with each other, accessing funding, developing careers and project-based opportunities and showcasing their work and ideas. The IdeasFund is an annual fund of £150,000. The pilot scheme was launched on 1 June 2009, with the Fund proper going on to be launched in the autumn. Here are some questions and answers to help you find out more about this exciting new programme.
What is the Fund offering?
It is offering young people awards from £500 to £5,000 through two routes - the Big Ideas award and the Small Ideas award. There are six Big Ideas awards and 30 Small Ideas awards.
What is the age limit for IdeasFund?
Both awards are for people aged 16-26 years of age.
Can the Fund be for individuals or groups of people?
IdeasFund is for groups or individuals, and one person should be the named contact on the application form.
What are the different categories?
There are two main categories:
1. Performing Arts: Theatre, Dance, Music, Circus, Writing for performance and screen.
2. Digital Media and Visual Arts: Film, Photography, Sonic Music, Animation, Graphic Design, Design, Games, Interactive Media, Fashion, Painting and Drawing.
Can I apply for both categories?
No. You can apply for only one of the categories.
How do I decide whether to go for the Big Ideas or Small Ideas Fund?
There is a budget calculator on the IdeasTap website which can help you to work out how much you would need to fund your idea.
How do you prepare a budget?
Write an outline of your project. Imagine the planning of this project and start to itemise resources that will need to be paid for and start to list them in the Excel spreadsheet given. You may want some help with this. For more help to decide which of the awards your project is eligible for, refer to the IdeasFund budget calculator.
Can I include living costs in my budget?
No. Only costs directly related to the delivery of the project are considered.
Do all projects need to have the support and/or endorsement of a recognised organisation? What sort of organisation do you mean?
Yes. The organisation could be an arts body, community or voluntary organisation, a school, a company limited by guarantee, or a social enterprise.
What evidence do I need to prepare to show that the recognised organisation supports and/or endorses my project?
Do you have any contact with the organisation currently? For example, are you a member of an organisation? Approach a contact at that organisation to see whether they would be happy to support you.
How would the organisation be expected to support me?
It would be expected that the contact at the recognised organisation would be happy to advise and support you throughout the delivery of the project. Support could be offered in a number of ways - from providing expertise to offering resources such as allowing you access to performance and/or rehearsal space, access to equipment or providing you with an occasional workspace.
Who owns the idea?
At all stages of development, you are the sole owner of your idea.
How will the idea be judged?
The assessment of applications will be carried out in accordance with the following weighting:
creativity and innovation of the idea - 60%. The Fund is looking for real innovation and ideas that have a 'wow factor'
project management and ability to deliver - 30%. This is important for both awards - however, it is especially important for Big Ideas and we will be expecting more detail
a completed profile and portfolio section - 10%. As a member of IdeasTap you will have a profile page and a portfolio section that you need to make sure is complete with photograph and work.
Will the money be paid in one go?
No. Awards will be paid in two instalments: at the beginning of the project and on completion of the project, following verification of the award from your supporting organisation.
What is the geographical reach of the Fund?
All projects must be based in England.
What will IdeasFund NOT pay for?
To support everyday living expenses
Paying tuition fees
Training or professional development activities
Projects which have taken place before the assessment of the application
Costs that are already covered by other funding
General running costs and overheads including insurance and maintenance costs
Fundraising events
Activities for formal education purposes set out by the National Curriculum
The designing and building of websites
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