Funding Innovation in Giving

Helen Goulden - 15.02.2012

We've announced the first 15 organisations to be funded through the Innovation in Giving Fund.

Take a look at the following organisations from the first 15 - we'll be publishing a new one every day.

We're midway through a genuinely exciting process - 62 organisations pitching their ideas, showcasing their work, enthusing us with their energy and commitment to increasing giving. It's a real privilege to get such a unique snapshot of innovations in giving in the UK at this time.

When we set the criteria for the fund, we took a very definite stance - giving shouldn't just mean giving money; and giving shouldn't exclude reciprocity. We want to give oxygen to the idea that at various times in our life we might be sometimes donors, sometimes recipients - and that the giving and exchange of time, assets, skills resources as well as money is the key to stimulating a culture of giving within the UK. Clearly, combing such a broad view of giving with the power of networked and collaborative technologies is taking us into a space of real innovation.

The spectrum of what we're announcing today includes the use of incentives and rewards for encouraging people to volunteer and give, rapidly accelerating the growth of timebanking, supporting the growth of crowdfunding and innovations that aim to reduce isolation experienced by many elderly people and care for those with learning difficulties.

We believe that these first ideas supported through this fund will continue to gain real traction on the ground. We also believe others should be watching this space - those wondering whether they should shift their fundraising strategy to include rewards and incentives; those considering if they can crowdfund specific projects; those contemplating whether a shift from giving to reciprocity results in sustained, more impactful social action.

We'll be publishing what we learn through the programme, showcasing evidence of what works well - and what more we could be experimenting with.

We'll be making more announcements in the coming weeks - and judging by the last couple of pitching events, there's no shortage of great innovation worthy of support.

For corporates and charities interested in what the Innovation in Giving Fund could mean for you - contact me at helen.goulden@nesta.org.uk