Sparkle – Apply for funding for your sustainability idea
The University of Helsinki invites the whole community to build a sustainable future. You can now apply for funding to implement your sustainability idea, or Sparkle.
We encourage all members of the University study and work community to come up with ideas and pursue actions that support the University goal of being a leader in sustainability and responsibility and familiarise the community with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Whether it relates to climate change, biodiversity, corporate social responsibility or social and economic sustainability, each Sparkle helps us take a step towards a more sustainable and responsible organisational culture. You or your group can now apply for €1,000 to €10,000 to implement your Sparkle.
So send us your electronic application as soon as possible!
Applications welcome from all University members
Sparkle applicants may be individuals or groups. As the sustainability transition requires a wide range of interdisciplinary thinking and collaboration, we encourage the staff and students of all degree programmes, faculties, campuses and units to work together. Although the primary applicant must be a University student or work community member, the Sparkle group may include students, employees or researchers from other universities or collaboration partners.
How will we decide on applications?
Applications will be assessed with a view to how they promote sustainability and responsibility at the University of Helsinki and within the University community and how they connect with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. In addition, attention will be paid to the impact of each Sparkle. We are keen to receive bold and ambitious applications.
Ideas must be feasible to implement. Please note that if your idea relates to, for example, University facilities or working hours, you must discuss it with relevant parties in advance. Contact details for persons and services are available on the helsinki.fi website.
A Sparkle can be any idea, action or initiative promoting sustainability or responsibility
Funding is available for a variety of ideas, actions and initiatives supporting sustainability and responsibility at the University. Here is a list of examples (not exhaustive):
- Small nudges helping to guide people towards more sustainable practices
- Projects, experiments, prototypes, service development, events, reports or even a course design, for instance
- Artistic interventions, such as exhibitions, flash mobs, plays, spectacles or performances
- Collaboration with partners such as other universities, schools, NGOs or companies, and collaborative networks for sharing ideas, receiving support, learning new things, and being and working together
- Skills development, including training, workshops and seminars
- Salaries or purchased services
Funding is not available for the following:
- Activities contrary to the University values or general or ethical principles
- Illegal or unsafe activities
- Politically affiliated or religious organisations
- Research (excluding reports for the University)
- Profit-seeking activities
- Equipment purchases or gift certificates
Tell us why you should be selected to receive €1,000 to €10,000 in funding
Depending on the scope and purpose of the idea submitted, funding can range from €1,000 to €10,000. An idea submitted by an individual person, degree programme, study track or staff team may receive up to €7,000. Collaboration between several degree programmes, study tracks, faculties, campuses or units, or groups consisting of both students and staff, may receive up to €10,000. Please submit one application for each idea and note that the funding will be paid retroactively based on expenses invoiced.
Apply by 31 January 2024
To apply, submit the relevant E-form between 1 November 2023 and 31 January 2024. Your Sparkle must be implemented and any expenses invoiced by 1 November 2024. Funding decisions will be made by the steering group of the project for implementing the sustainability and responsibility plan. Applicants will be informed by 28 February whether they will receive funding.
Join the Sustainability Accelerator
Do you have hopes, fumbling ideas or perhaps ready-made ideas on how our common university could or should be built to meet the challenges of a more sustainable future? Do you have the spark to do something, but lack the idea and the people to make it happen?
In the Sustainability Accelerator, free-flowing ideas about a sustainable future are transformed together into practical actions and activities that transform the university! At the event there are people who know about the management and use of university facilities, discarded and recyclable materials, and the university's digital services to help you out.
Join us on Monday January 22, 2024, from 13.30 to 16.00 at Main building, Studium 1 (F3020). Read more about Sustainability Accelerator and register for the event using the Lyyti form.
What to do if you receive funding
Congratulations, your Sparkle has received funding! Recipients must fulfil these requirements:
- Implement your Sparkle and invoice expenses by 1 November 2024.
- Write a short final report describing how the idea was implemented and what measures were taken.
- Give us permission to publish news on your idea through the University of Helsinki communications channels (see the E-form).
Additional information
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Photo: Veikko Somerpuro