Social Innovation Challenge 2024: Breaking Barriers to Health & Wellbeing

Do you know of a social enterprise that is tackling the deep-rooted inequalities affecting people’s health and wellbeing in innovative ways? Or perhaps an individual with a creative idea for a solution of this kind?

In that case, the 2024 edition of the Social Innovation Challenge might just be the right opportunity for them. This year, the theme for this funding and support programme is: Breaking Barriers to Better Health and Wellbeing.

This looks to support innovative social enterprise solutions that address the core inequalities negatively impacting on the health and wellbeing of people in Scotland. They are not looking for solutions that are simply delivering health or wellbeing services. Instead, they want to see evidence that projects can create tangible, long-term impact by addressing the underlying issues that affect health and wellbeing, such as: housing, education, employment, income, social connections, access to green space, nutrition etc.

The Social Innovation Challenge (SIC) is a grant funding and support programme that seeks to find innovative solutions to pressing challenges. The winner will receive a £50,000 grant and tailored support. The grant can be used to help with start-up fees, research and development, salaries and other essential costs, such as rent or buying critical equipment. In addition, all finalists receive bespoke signposting or introductions to alternative sources of funding or support.

Applications must be able to evidence:

A clear proposal for delivering a solution through a social enterprise

Direct social benefit (to be delivered primarily within Scotland)

An element of innovation

Lived experience or community involvement in the development of the solution

Potential for scale or replication

Potential for income generation and (eventually) financial sustainability

Environmental sustainability

Key Upcoming Dates:

Expressions of Interest are currently open. Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest to be able to apply (more info on the process is available on the website).