Turning ideas into reality: How we support your projects

Do you have an idea or new project that's solving a social issue you've identified? Apply for our Catalyst grant or new scaling grant - our way of supporting Fellows to create real-world change.

COULD YOUR PROJECT SCALE UP WITH £10,000?

Over the last few years, the RSA Catalyst programme has offered small grants to help RSA Fellows turn their ideas into action.  We've made changes to this popular scheme to encourage Fellows to accomplish even more, and to make the most of the money we offer.

The Catalyst ‘Scaling Grant’ is now officially open! We will offer a limited number of £10,000 grants for exceptional projects in any one of our three key themes: Public Services and Communities; Creative Learning and Development; Enterprise, Economy and Manufacturing.

Any Fellow can apply for the grant, regardless of whether or not they have received prior support from RSA Catalyst.

Grants are awarded by a panel chaired by a member of the Fellowship Council, with a rotating membership of RSA staff and Fellows.

In order to be considered for a Scaling grant, projects must:

• Be led by an RSA Fellow, who will be the main point of contact for the project
• Have demonstrated a clear ‘proof of concept’
• Demonstrate clear impact and the potential to be sustained in the long term
• Contribute to the progression of one of our three key themes

We prioritise projects that: 

• Will be truly 'catalysed' by our grant
• Have the greatest potential to achieve measurable world impact
• Offer a new solution to a pressing societal problem

We continue to support Fellows projects in the following ways:

• Catalyst grants of £1,000 - £2,000
• Crowdfunding support through RSA Kickstarter
• Building links to other Fellows by creating an online profile and using Find a Fellow

The scaling grant replaces the previous £5,000 follow-on Catalyst grant.

Submission dates

The last Catalyst grants submission date for 2015  is Friday 21 September (decision will be communicated by Friday 27 November). Apply now.

Any questions?

Queries related to Catalyst grants can be made via email to fellowship.fund@rsa.org.uk. Applications for crowdfunding supporting with RSA Kickstarter can be made at any time - email fellowship.fund@rsa.org.uk.

Mark Pallis is Head of Project Engagement, with responsibility for Enterprise, Economy and Manufacturing. Find out more.