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£10m Innovation in Giving Fund

19 September 2011

NESTA, on behalf of the Office of Civil Society, has launched the £10m Innovation in Giving Fund and is calling for ideas. The closing date is noon 14 October 2011.

Proposals are being sought which have the potential to deliver a significant uplift in the giving and exchange of time, assets, skills, resources and money to achieve social goals and public benefit. The White Paper on Giving highlighted some examples of innovations in this field and through this open call Nesta want to find and support many more.

Some of the features that Nesta are particularly interested in are:

Harnessing the potential of collaborative and networked technologies – for example online platforms that connect people to opportunities to give, share or take action, the use of mobile phones and smart phone apps or connect different platforms or systems together in ways which enables greater opportunities for giving and exchange for the benefit of the public.
Platforms and mechanisms that promote reciprocity – for example the use of time credits, points systems or other complementary currencies to create a more reciprocal relationship that values giving and incentivises people to volunteer and get involved. We are particularly interested in ideas that use public services and community organisations as platforms for giving, for example in housing associations, schools or community centres.
Making use of idling capacity – for example platforms, models, market places & enterprises that enable people or organisations to share, exchange and redistribute assets, skills and resources, particularly where these can be shown to build relationships and social capital to deliver public benefit.
Increasing the number of people that make donations to charity – for example innovations that connect donors and recipients in sustained, more effective relationships, or which make it easier for people to give, change the culture of giving and increase the amount that existing donors give to charity.
Improving the targeting of pro bono support from commercial organisations – for example finding better ways to match needs and availability of expertise.

Further details about criteria and application process are available here: Innovation in Giving Fund