News

Since its inception, The Ignite fund has 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.

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.

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.”

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.