This year marks a momentous milestone for the University of Westminster as the Ignite Fund celebrates its tenth anniversary. To cap off a decade of empowering students, the fund’s latest round has awarded £66,000 to 127 students, supporting projects that bridge the gap between academic study and professional success.
Since its inception in 2016, the Ignite Fund has been a cornerstone of student support at Westminster. Over the past decade, it has provided more than 1,150 students with the financial backing needed to pursue extracurricular qualifications, attend industry conferences and bring ambitious creative projects to life.
The Ignite Fund plays a vital role in the University’s wider ecosystem of innovation, specifically aligning with the mission of Zone29, Westminster's dedicated home for entrepreneurship and enterprise. While Zone29 provides the physical space, expert mentorship and networking opportunities for students to build their own ventures, the Ignite Fund often provides the essential financial support needed to acquire specialised skills or materials.
Together, these initiatives ensure that students have both the space to dream and the practical resources to execute, turning entrepreneurial ideas into viable professional paths.
The success of the Ignite Fund is built on a foundation of community generosity. Every pound donated by our alumni and friends is matched by the Quintin Hogg Trust, pound for pound. This unique partnership effectively doubles the impact of every contribution, ensuring that more students than ever can access life-changing opportunities.
Nabo Simon-Michael, who is using the fund to build a career in transport and logistics, shared: "I felt genuinely relieved and grateful when I found out I had received the Ignite Fund, as it removed a major financial barrier for me. This support is allowing me to complete my Transport Manager CPC qualification and I’m truly thankful to the donors for investing in students like me and making opportunities like this possible."
For Sarah Kikel, the funding transformed the final stage of her Museums, Galleries and Contemporary Culture MA course. She said: "I was very happy to receive funding and relieved that I will be able to complete the MA project that I dreamed about, which will be a physical exhibition rather than just an online website. Being able to display an exhibition for real audiences will greatly improve my practical skills in curation, design, archival display, museum interpretation and visitor needs."
Amanuel Bekit, who is pursuing a career in real estate investment, added: "When I first found out that I had been awarded the funding, I felt incredibly grateful and proud. This support will make a significant difference by enabling me to complete the CeMAP mortgage qualification alongside my RICS-accredited Real Estate BSc Honours degree. Their support is not only financial, but also empowering, as it allows us to access opportunities that directly shape our future careers."
Reflecting on the decade of success, Amar Kataora, Regular Giving and Legacy Officer at Westminster, shared: "Reaching this ten-year milestone is a powerful testament to the incredible community of alumni and friends we have built around the University. It has been a privilege to see firsthand how the Ignite Fund transforms lives, giving our students the confidence and resources to excel in their chosen fields.
The Ignite Fund’s mission directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education, 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and 10: Reduced Inequalities. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
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