What is the Social Innovation Challenge?

The Social Innovation Challenge (SIC) is a grant-funding and support programme that seeks innovative solutions to the most pressing challenges of our times.

We accept applications from anyone with an idea for a social enterprise project that can deliver a tangible, long-lasting, positive impact addressing the theme.

The winner will receive a £30,000 grant and tailored support for the duration of their award to help them kick-start their solution. The other finalists will receive £10,000 each, in addition to signposting or introductions to alternative sources of funding or capacity-building programmes.

What is the theme?

To fulfil our aim of supporting solutions to the deepest issues currently present in Scotland, we are looking for eligible applications addressing any one of the following four themes:

• Eradicating child poverty: innovative ideas which help the families of children living in deep poverty increase their long-term wellbeing and economic resilience.

• Growing the economy: projects providing innovative routes to meaningful employment for individuals facing significant barriers (such as disability, stigma or discrimination).

• Tackling the climate emergency: projects proposing innovative ways of reducing reliance on fossil fuels or delivering regenerative environmental solutions (such as increasing biodiversity, improving soil health or addressing water pollution).

• Ensuring high quality and sustainable public services: ideas that alleviate pressure on essential services by offering support to those who need it most, through innovative means.

What is the funding for?

The winner can use the funding to help with start-up fees, research and development, salaries and other essential costs, such as rent or buying critical equipment.

What is social innovation?

Social innovation is finding new ways to tackle social or environmental problems, including through new products, services, business models, or novel ways of using an existing approach.

Can I apply?

To understand if this is right for you, please read the full eligibility criteria. You can also find further clarifications in our Frequently Asked Questions section.

How to apply

To apply for the Social Innovation Challenge, you need to create an account in our Application Portal:

• Click on the Apply Now button at the top of this page.
• If you have never applied for a Firstport grant or loan before, you will need to register to create an account and password.
• If you have applied before, you will have an account in our system already. Select ‘Forgot Password’ and follow the instructions to set up a new password.
• Once you log in, click on the Apply tab, select Social Innovation Challenge Application from the drop-down list, and fill in your details.
• Once you have completed your application and uploaded the relevant documents, you can submit it.
• You will receive an automated email confirmation and will hear back from our team within the timescales provided.

Before starting your application, please read the Guidance Notes provided at the bottom of this page. The document explains the steps to apply and offers pointers on each question in the online application form.

What are the timelines?

Monday 20 July – Friday 28 August: Application period
The deadline for SIC applications is 1 pm on Friday, 28 August. We will not consider late applications.

Wednesday 30 September: Finalists announced
We will notify shortlisted applicants by phone or email. We will also provide written feedback to all other eligible applicants, alongside any relevant signposting where possible.

The three SIC finalists will receive additional support before they present their solutions to the award panel. This support will consist of a session with the Programme Manager to help them prepare a short pitch, and a session with a Business Advisor to address any issues within their cashflow projections.

Monday 26 October: Finalists pitch to the award panel

Wednesday 28 October: SIC winner announcement
The winner will receive a £30,000 grant to be spent over two years. The other finalists will receive £10,000 each.