Fresh Ideas Fund

Between 2011 and 2014, Northern Rock Foundation supported the sustainability of the voluntary and community sector through the Fresh Ideas Fund, helping 60 organisations explore new ideas and opportunities for income generation and new services.

The Fresh Ideas Fund is continuing until 2017, after Northern Rock Foundation awarded two grants totaling £3.5m to the Northstar Foundation, to run the Fund, working with the Community Foundation for Tyne & Wear and Northumberland in the North East and Cumbria Community Foundation in Cumbria. These awards were part of five large legacy grants made by Northern Rock Foundation.

The Fresh Ideas Fund provides successful applicants with up to £50,000 to fund a feasibility study, apply for expert, specialist advice and cover start-up costs and a mentor from NorthstarVentures will also be on hand at each step of the way with expert advice and support.

For information about the Northstar Foundation go to www.northstarventures.co.uk/the-northstar-foundation