Innovation Fund
Powered by Alumni.
The Innovation Fund is designed to invest seed funding in innovative, exciting projects tackling some of the biggest challenges facing our students today. Every year alumni and supporters have a big impact on the student body when they power these forward-thinking projects. Overseen and distributed by the Student Union, staff and students propose new and sustainable projects that they believe will meet the ever-changing needs of students today.
Year over year, our alumni and friends help to establish several such projects through their gifts.
22/23 Innovation Fund Projects
Let’s Talk About Classism
How does class impact the experience and voice of Widening Participation Students? With Kieran Barry and Thalia (Founder of 93% Club)
A campaign to include public lectures from education experts and members of the student community with Widening Participation leadership experience, a community event to support the inclusion and integration of Widening Participation students into the community. A series of videos to be published onto the Student Union’s social media highlighting student experiences with direct and indirect classism within the Warwick environment, and how students can be more supportive in allyship and change behaviours moving forward.
Blackness, Imagination, Liberation
A month-long series of activities showcasing the imaginative work of Black creatives at Warwick. Attended by over 300 students, activities included seven community focussed events such as speaker events, creative sessions and a mental health workshop for Black Students. Community building took place over the course of the project, bringing together students to form new connections and friendships, providing a creative outlet and to creating a safe space for students to talk about and reflect on the challenges of being a Black Student at University. The project has sparked long term engagement of students with the Students Union and with the work of VP Welfare Tomi Amole. Offshoot projects are already in development to keep momentum going throughout the year and further in the future.
Sexual Health and Guidance (SHAG) Festival
Sexual health and guidance designed to be educational while also light-hearted to promote consent and healthy relationships. To break down barriers and engage students in a fun and non-taboo way with open and frank conversations surrounding sexual health and wellbeing. Working alongside Report & Support as well as a range of sexual health charities including Coppafeel, The Survivors Trust, and Ovacome to deliver educational content to students in an approachable way.
Inclusive Sports Day
Sports day with a series of adapted and inclusive sport that can be played by persons of all physical abilities. Sports include Sitting Volleyball, Boccia, Kwik Cricket and a Sensory 1km course. This day is supported by Power2inspire by bringing necessary equipment for chosen sports.
Liberation Conference
A week-long, in-person, co-collaborative set of workshops, talks and discussions where students can discuss and learn about a variety of intersectional issues affecting marginalised people. It will provide students the opportunity for co-creation and learning and provide access to expert thinkers enhancing the student experience particularly for BAME, LGBTQUIA+, disabled and international students.
Women in Sport Conference
A days long conference celebrating women is sport to encourage female participation in sports at Warwick. The event will bring together a range of speakers including Kare Odenegan, Paralympic medallist and Warwick Alumni and Charlotte Moore, Paralympian in Wheelchair Basketball.
Koan Records
Student-led non-profit record label aimed at recording, distributing, promoting and facilitating live-performance opportunities to student musicians at Warwick. The project is aiming to grow the music scene and set up a small-scale Warwick Music Festival for student performers and musicians.
International Student Engagement Project
Survey and research the international student experience so that the University and SU can advocate for services which better represent this cohort which comprises a large percentage of the student population. Identifying issues within the international student experience which can be addressed in a “Breaking Down Barriers” project aimed at promoting access to support services, as well as more generally improving the SUs ability to represent and advocate for international students.
Stand Up to Islamophobia
Month long project during Islamophobia Awareness Month in November to showcase the work of Muslim students and foster an inclusive environment on campus by developing a network between Muslim and non-Muslim students. This was the most extensive anti-Islamophobia project the Students Union has ever undertaken. Including seven events with a range of speakers including Warwick and partnering academics, poets, and activists.
Students, staff, and Student Union representatives may apply to the Warwick Innovation Fund in August
Thank you so much honestly. I really hope that other people will be given the opportunity to access something like this in the future as it has really helped me.
Warwick Student after participating in an Innovation Fund Project
Get in touch
Your donation has a direct impact on student life at Warwick. Get in touch to discuss your gift and the impact it could make using the contact details below:
Rosalyn C. Forbes
Leadership and Regular Giving Manager
rosalyn.forbes@warwick.ac.uk
T: 07884 733080