The Ignite Fund is a matched funding opportunity which gives all students at the University of Westminster the opportunity to apply for funding for projects and activities which help to ignite their employability and professional development.
At a time when students are having to worry about day-to-day costs more than ever, resulting in distractions from their studies and impacts on their mental health, there is a real risk of students derailing their future careers before they have even begun. The Ignite Fund is key to making sure students can keep their educational dream alight and realise their potential
One student, Deepanvita, wrote:
"I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the supporters of the Ignite Fund for making this opportunity possible. Your generosity allowed me to attend and present at the British Neuroscience Association’s International Festival of Neuroscience, an experience that has had a profound impact on my academic and personal development. Thanks to your support, I was able to share my research, connect with leading experts, and gain valuable insights into the world of neuroscience. This may have been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I am incredibly grateful for the chance to learn, grow, and represent my university on a national stage.
Thank you again for your belief in students like me and for investing in our futures"
Since 2016, through the support of our kind and generous alumni, in addition to the generously matched funding provided by the Quintin Hogg Trust, we have supported over 950 students with opportunities which would not have been possible otherwise. Whether it is starting a business, purchasing expensive equipment or gaining an extra certificate or accreditation in an in-demand skill, none of these opportunities would have happened without the generous support from our community.
In the current academic year, nearly £90,000 was awarded to 140 students, setting another high for the number of students awarded funding in a single round, giving them a unique opportunity to develop their skills and enhance their CVs. However, with almost 400 applications received, there is still a lot of work to be done.
As a community, pulling together and doing our part where we are financially able to, we can ensure that no students are left behind and that they have access to opportunities today which will help them to become the global citizens of tomorrow.
Please show your support and help Westminster students reach their full potential by donating to the Ignite Fund today. You can also make a regular gift.