Do you have what it takes to spark Big Change?

The awards are open to anyone aged 18-25 with a new project ready to be implemented that has the potential to spark lasting change for young people. Big Change is on a mission to ensure that young people, aged 18-25, who are closest to the challenges they aim to solve, have the resources, mentorship, and opportunities needed to bring their ideas to life and create a world where all young people thrive. They will be joining Big Change’s community of changemakers of all ages and walks of life who are working to create change.

Holly Branson, founder and trustee of Big Change, and Chief Purpose and Vision Officer at Virgin Group said: “Big Change is committed to empowering a new generation of young leaders with bold, innovative ideas and projects that tackle the challenges many young people face today. We are thrilled to launch the Spark Awards, providing an opportunity for changemakers aged 18 to 25 to bring their ideas to life, with support every step of the way.”

Jaiden Corfield, age 22, is a Spark Awards Champion and activist turned social entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in the social impact sector, said: “Young people have an incredible capacity to deliver change, especially for each other. They often think beyond the system and lean into the realities of their peers. This is what leads to the hopeful and transformative shifts that we so desperately need. These awards are a powerful step to supporting them to lead and inspire a better future.”

With a focus on systemic change, this initiative supports projects that go beyond tackling symptoms and instead address root causes to create meaningful, lasting impact. In total, up to 10 young leaders – or teams of up to three – will receive a grant of up to £40,000 alongside a 12-month tailored learning and development programme worth up to £10,000.

This programme – delivered in partnership with The Young Foundation – is designed to help participants develop their pilots, grow their leadership skills and support their personal growth. 

Young people hold a wealth of untapped potential, and are passionate to drive change more than ever before, but often it is the systems that become a barrier. 

Research shows that young people have a strong desire to make a difference but many do not feel like they can, with 84 percent of young people wanting to help others but only 52 per cent believing that they can make a positive difference in their communities. 

With this in mind, the launch of the Spark Awards comes at a key time, with research also highlighting the growing challenges young people continue to face.

According to the 2024 Youth Index by The Prince’s Trust, more than half of young people say they always or often feel stressed or anxious. Many are struggling to see a way forward, with two in five saying they do not feel in control of their future, while a quarter believe they will fail in life – a figure which rises to 38 per cent among young people who are not in education or training (NEET) and 30 per cent for those from poorer backgrounds.

And – according to a recent YouGov survey, almost two thirds of the public think the education system prepares children badly for work and life. The poll found that only 25 per cent of people are confident that schools ensure pupils are ready for employment, while only 28 per cent believe that the education system gives children the tools they require for life.

Essie North, CEO of Big Change, said: “Young people want to be a part of the solution - they have brilliant ideas and projects but too often struggle to get taken seriously or have access to funding and networks to make change a reality.  Yet when so many young people are feeling disconnected, powerless and unprepared for their futures we know our current models and systems are failing them. 

“The Spark Awards exist to change this. By investing in visionary young leaders who can challenge the status quo, reimagine their futures, and drive the powerful, systemic changes needed to create a world where all young people can truly thrive. We are really excited about this and can’t wait to see what exciting, changemaking applications we get.”

Formed in 2012, Big Change works in collaboration with forward-thinking partners, trusts, donors, and philanthropists who share its belief in the potential of young people to drive change – and is always seeking new partners who are focused on achieving long-term systemic impact, rather than simply addressing the symptoms of deeper challenges.

Over the last 13 years, Big Change has supported many early-stage projects and leaders whose bold ideas have gone on to create enduring, high-impact change. 

Voice 21 founder, Ed Fidoe, who led a project to support schools and teachers to develop young people’s confidence in speaking skills. They scaled their work and are now reaching over 200,000 pupils and working in 69% of the UK's schools. Ed has gone on to create the London Interdisciplinary School, a new university focused on teaching skills to solve the world's trickiest problems.

Farhad Gohar, aged 20 and founder of Potential, a project which mentors and supports young people at risk of joining gangs or of exclusion from school, to develop entrepreneurship skills and create legitimate enterprises. Farhad grew up in a world where drug dealers were the only successful entrepreneurs and he knew he had to change this narrative and help them see another way in order to save their and others lives.

Clover Hogan struggled to have her concerns for the environment listened to at her traditional school. Her project, Force of Nature addresses climate anxiety by creating new training pathways to help young people prepare for their roles in a green economy, building their confidence, developing their skills, and helping them find the climate solutions they wish to lead.

To find out more about the Spark Awards, which are also being supported by funding partners, Virgin Unite, and The Ferdinando & Luigi Innocenti Foundation, and check if you’re eligible to apply, visit big-change.org/spark-awards.