Ferdinando & Luigi Innocenti Foundation are delighted to partner with Big Change for the Spark Awards 2025, inviting young change makers in England to apply for funding and support. 

The Spark Awards aim to equip young people with the resources, mentorship and personal development opportunities needed to reimagine the future and are open to anyone aged 18-25 with a new project ready to be implemented that has the potential to spark lasting change for young people. 

The awards align with our long-term vision for young people to connect to their purpose, motivated to engage in the world and excited about continuing their personal growth. As part of the initiative, up to ten young entrepreneurs or teams of three could receive a grant of up to £40,000 to bring their big idea to life, alongside a 12-month tailored learning and development programme worth up to £10,000, to create the change they wish to see in their communities and allow young people to thrive. 

With a focus on systemic change, the Spark Awards support projects that go beyond tackling symptoms and instead address root causes to create meaningful, lasting impact. This programme - delivered in partnership with The Young Foundation - is designed to help participants develop their pilots, grow their leadership skills and support their personal growth.

Spark Awards recipients receive individual coaching to prioritise personal growth, confidence and develop leadership skills, joining a growing community of changemakers and experiencing the joy of creating lasting social change. Winners are free to explore their imagination, passion and have fun. We are looking for projects that address the root causes of problems, focusing on one or more of the following outcomes: purpose, agency, relationships and growth. 

F&LI Foundation supports young people to discover new passions, have fun, find purpose in life and experience the joy of leading their own personal growth. Founded by Lorenzo Innocenti to further the legacy of his father Luigi, grandfather Ferdinando and the pioneering Innocenti company, F&LI Foundation prioritises youth-led support for people aged 11-25 from across the UK who have experienced disadvantage. 

Lorenzo Innocenti, Chair and Founder of Ferdinando & Luigi Innocenti Foundation, said:

“Ferdinando & Luigi Innocenti Foundation is delighted to partner with Big Change to launch Spark Awards 2025. This is a truly innovative and pioneering initiative, allowing youth-led purpose, imagination and leadership to develop and evolve. We look forward to continuing to work with Big Change in the future.”

Essie North, CEO of Big Change, said:

“Young people want to be part of the solution, but too often, are not given access to funding or networks to make their bold ideas a reality. Together with the Ferdinando Luigi Innocenti Foundation we are giving meaningful investment to extraordinary young leaders, allowing them to develop their own ideas with the peer cohort and networks to help them really change the system.”

Click here to find out more and apply for Spark Awards 2025.