The Ignite Fund grant has awarded almost £70,000 to 122 students studying at the University of Westminster to support their personal and professional development and help bring their ideas and projects to life.
The University’s Ignite Fund is designed to support students with innovative ideas and projects that can positively impact their personal and professional development. Support from the fund relieves the financial burden on students, allowing them to focus on their studies and pursue opportunities they may otherwise be unable to afford.
The students were selected from over 300 applicants who demonstrated a strong passion for their projects and the selected students will receive financial support to turn their ideas into reality.
The Ignite Fund is a unique initiative that aims to empower students and encourage them to pursue their dreams and passions, as investing in the creativity and ingenuity of students will help create a better future for all.
Since its inception, the fund has now supported 783 students at the University of Westminster, thanks to the generosity of donors and the Quintin Hogg Trust, who match each donation pound for pound. The fund covers a wide range of projects in many different ways. It can help students start their business, purchase equipment, attend conferences as well as support research and dissertation projects. The Ignite Fund also gives students the chance to attend additional courses and gain new qualifications. By funding various student projects, the University hopes to assist with students' personal and professional development and give them a competitive edge when entering employment after graduating.
Biomedical Sciences BSc Honours student Silvia Dokaj, a recipient of the Ignite Fund who started an accessories business, said: “Thank you so much. This has been a project I have wanted to start for three years, and I have finally been able to do it because of your help. Once again, thank you so much.”
As The Ignite Fund has evolved, it has integrated with wider student funding initiatives at the University, such as the Westminster Enterprise Network (WeNetwork) and the Westminster Employability Awards, making a pipeline where students can develop as much as possible before they graduate. They have also increased the number of application rounds to two per academic year, allowing more students to benefit from the fund and access more opportunities throughout the year.
Amar Kataora, Regular Giving and Legacy Office at the University of Westminster, said: “A huge congratulations to the 122 students selected to receive funding through the Ignite Fund. We wish them all the best with their projects. We look forward to seeing their progress with the grant awarded to them. With support, more students can realise their future potential.”
The Ignite Fund directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure 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.
Find out more about The Ignite Fund and how to support more students.
