The Young Urbanists Small Grants Scheme supports projects that deliver tangible outputs and benefits to the Young Urbanist (YU) Network within the subject of urbanism. The projects should aim to disseminate learning on urbanism with YU members and Academicians, and support the aims of The Academy of Urbanism as outlined in our Manifesto.

Applicants are welcome to submit proposals addressing any issue that they believe to be relevant to the YUs, but we also encourage projects related to themes already explored by the YUs including: food in cities, tall buildings, creative cities, emerging urbanism, international urbanism, the future of urbanism, and more specifically our 2026 Urbanism Manifesto themes housing, transport, digital revolution, and funding/devolution.

For the 2016/2017 round of the YU Small Grants Scheme, we encourage applications from YU members based outside of London, particularly those based in Europe or internationally. We encourage projects and outputs that members can access regardless of location.

 

Key points:

• 3 grants are available up to a maximum of £400
• Support for a wide range of projects from individuals or groups
• Funding for activities undertaken from 16 December 2016 to 28 February 2017
• Apply with project outline before 5pm on Friday 18 November 2016

 

What do we fund?

We will fund activities and projects that seek to share learning on urban-related themes, and provide a tangible benefit to the YU Network and/or the Academy as a whole. We would like to support projects that are based on original research and that seek to explore solutions to urban problems.

Successful applicants will be eligible to receive up to £400 towards costs/expenses associated with the project, such as transportation, stationery and subsistence, which will be accounted for by providing receipts. Unfortunately we cannot provide remuneration for time spent working on the project.

 

What do we mean by benefitting the Young Urbanist Network?

Benefits could be achieved through diverse means, by providing the YU Network with tangible outputs, including but not limited to:

• Published articles for our website and/or newsletter
• Production of a video or other medium to be shared on the website or at a relevant event
• Running a seminar or sharing your findings at a relevant event
• The project itself could enable YU participation/experience (ie. project as a curated event)

Be creative – there are many ways in which you could bring a tangible benefit to the YUs, so use your imagination.

 

Who is eligible to apply?

You must be a paid member of the Young Urbanists to be eligible to apply.

 

What is the process for applications?

We will be accepting applications throughout November and December as part of a 3-stage process, outlined below.

 

Stage 1 – Call for submissions

 

Initially, applicants will be asked to submit a short 500-word proposal about their project. This will outline the idea, explain how it fits with the aims of the Academy and how it will benefit the YU Network. We ask that submissions also state how much funding they are seeking for their project, up to a maximum of £400 (a more detailed cost outline will be required at the next stage). The deadline for submissions is Friday 18 November 2016 at 17.00hrs.

 

Once we have received all the submissions, the Steering Committee will assess all applications and shortlist the ones to progress. Please note that although we are allowing for up to three grants to be distributed, it may be the case that not all the grants are allocated.

Stage 2 – Detailed proposal

 

The shortlisted candidates will be notified by email by Friday 25 November 2016, and will be asked to submit a more detailed proposal. A template will be provided for this. This will comprise of a more thorough description of the project theme, aims, outputs and costs, alongside a current CV. The deadline for detailed proposal submissions from shortlisted applications is Friday 9 December 2016 by 17.00hrs.

 

Once we have received all the detailed proposals, a panel will gather to make a decision on final grant recipients. At this point, shortlisted applicants may be asked to meet with the panel to further discuss their project proposal. Final decisions will be made, and successful applicants will be notified by Friday 16 December 2016.

Stage 3 – Projects underway

Successful applicants will be able to begin their projects as of 16 December 2016, and work through to 28 February 2017. Ideally, project outputs will be delivered by the end of February 2017, but there is a degree of flexibility based on the output and timing of other YU activities.

 

What are the key dates for the Small Grants Scheme?

• Friday 18 November, 17.00hrs: Deadline for 500-word project outline
• Friday 25 November: Shortlisted applicants contacted and asked for more detailed proposal (template provided)
• Friday 9 December, 17.00hrs: Final project proposals due
• Friday 16 December: Grants recipients announced and projects commence
• End of February 2017: Completion of activities and output delivered

Find some inspiration from our 2015 Small Grants Scheme recipients Claire Tunnacliffe, Charles Critchell, and Tracey Taylor with Szu An Yu.

Send completed submissions or enquiries to Young Urbanist Coordinator Bright Pryde-Saha at bp@academyofurbanism.org.uk.