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Big Challenge 10 to launch in April

We are very excited to be able to tell you that Big Challenge is going to be open for applications under a new theme from the end of April 10. If you have an idea to make a change in your community and need some cash to make it happen then keep your eyes on our website for the launch date. While you wait you can get inspired by reading last years entires under the Shortlist  tab.

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FAQs

  1. I missed out in applying for Big Challenge this time, what can I do?
  2. I have an idea of what I want to do but it does not fit in with theme for this year, can I still submit an application?
  3. I have never done anything like this before, can I still apply?
  4. How do you shortlist campaigns?
  5. How long until I find out if I am a winner?
  6. If I do win, how much money would I get, how long would I get to spend it and what could I spend it on?
  7. I want to apply for the fund on behalf of the organisation that I work for, can I do this?
  8. If I am one of the winners, what help is available to me to make my campaign a success?
  9. Why do I have to get young volunteers involved in my campaign?
  10. How can I get involved in helping out successful campaigns as I'm not sure I want to apply myself?
  11. I'm interested but still have some questions, can I speak to somebody about it?
  12. I have special needs or a disability that mean that the application process would need to be tailored to my needs, can you accommodate that?

  1. I missed out in applying for Big Challenge this time, what can I do?
    Big Challenge year 2 will be launching in April 2010 so there will be another opportunity for you to apply then. Just add yourself to the mailing list so that you know when we are launching again. If you want to pursue your idea before that then we can provide you with suggestions for alternative sources of support if you get in contact with us.
  2. I have an idea of what I want to do but it does not fit in with theme for this year, can I still submit an application?
    We will only accept applications that address the key theme of the year, there will be a new theme announced next year so keep an eye on the website.
  3. I have never done anything like this before, can I still apply?
    Yes you can. You do not need to have a lot of experience but if you have a great idea and are really enthusiastic then go for it!
  4. How do you shortlist campaigns?
    When you submit your application we will check to see that you are eligible (see criteria on How to Apply page). In January the team of young people who are leading this programme will shortlist campaigns that they think are most innovative and likely to have most impact. The top campaigns will then be asked to provide extra information before being put on to the website for a public vote. Winners will be announced from those chosen by the public.
  5. How long until I find out if I am a winner?
    Winners will be announced in the last week of October.
  6. If I do win, how much money would I get, how long would I get to spend it and what could I spend it on?
    Winners will be given a proportion of the Challenge fund that has been decided on by the Youth Leadership Team. We will then provide you with 10 months support to make your campaign happen and would hope that you could spend the majority of the money during this time. You could spend this money on anything necessary to make the campaign a success. We DO NOT pay for your time to run the campaign though as we would expect that you would be volunteering. The Challenge fund could cover costs such as:

    Marketing activities

    Travel expenses

    Training events

    Volunteer expenses

    Venue hire

    Equipment costs

    Etc.

  7. I want to apply for the fund on behalf of the organisation that I work for, can I do this?
    We do not fund organisations. The Challenge fund should go directly to young people who are volunteering their time.
  8. If I am one of the winners, what help is available to me to make my campaign a success?
    You will be provided with at least 10 months support which will include one to one sessions with the Challenge Manager, support from the Youth Leadership Team, specialist advice from people working in the relevant fields, a two day training event and other practical guides and toolkits.
  9. Why do I have to get young volunteers involved in my campaign?
    Part of our funding for this campaign comes from the charity v. They want to see more young people taking part in volunteering and so do we and that's why we ask you how you'll get lots of young people involved. By providing volunteering opportunities, many more young people can benefit from the fund if you win.
  10. How can I get involved in helping out successful campaigns as I'm not sure I want to apply myself?
    If you want to get involved then you can check on the progress of the different campaigns on this website and the volunteer opportunities will be publicised in the Get Involved section. There may also be places available on the Youth Leadership Team if you want experience of helping to shape the programme and make key decisions. Get in contact on 0207 5661129 or bigchallenge@unltd.org.uk to find out more.
  11. I'm interested but still have some questions, can I speak to somebody about it?
    Yes, we are happy to answer questions or hear campaign ideas, you can get in contact on 0207 5661129 or bigchallenge@unltd.org.uk.
  12. I have special needs or a disability that mean that the application process would need to be tailored to my needs, can you accommodate that?
    We will do our very best to accommodate any special needs that we are made aware of so that every young person has an equal opportunity to be involved.