News
Changemaker Challenge: apply for a bursary of between £500-£2,000 for an environmental or social impact project
Posted on behalf of: Careers and Entrepreneurship
Last updated: Monday, 13 April 2026
Two students plant new tree saplings
Do you have an idea to make your community a better place?
The Careers and Entrepreneurship team have launched their latest initiative, the Changemaker Challenge, to encourage you to develop and deliver an environmental or social impact project – with the opportunity to secure between £500-£2,000 in funding.
Open to all current students and recent graduates, this is an opportunity to create a more sustainable, connected, and equitable future for your community on campus or in the Brighton and Sussex area.
You can apply as an individual or a team, and your project can take many forms. Ideas might include projects to reduce carbon footprints, promote sustainable practices, address climate change; enhance physical and mental wellbeing; celebrate and support culture, heritage, and creativity; or contribute to more equitable opportunities.
You can also log Spirit of Sussex Award points for taking part!
Attend the Changemaker Challenge Launch and Information Session on Wednesday 22 April, 5-5.30PM, online to learn more about the opportunity before applying.
Eligibility
The Changemaker Challenge is open to all current students and recent graduates (who have graduated within the last three years).
How to apply
To apply, simply answer five short questions by midnight on Monday 8 June, outlining your proposed idea. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a one-minute video and will receive mentoring and support from the Entrepreneurship team to help bring their project to life.
Support and guidance
Attend the Changemaker Challenge Launch and Information Session on Wednesday 22 April, 5-5.30PM, online.
Attend the optional support sessions to help develop your application and ideas:
Book your place to attend the support sessions via CareerHub.
About Entrepreneurship at Sussex
Got a big idea for a better world? Or curious about learning new skills and exploring venture creation? We can help you get started with one-to-one support, startup workshops, and funding opportunities.
We can support you from the early stages of developing an idea for a business or social enterprise, all the way through to launching and scaling your venture.
We also provide workshops and services for those who simply want to gain skills that employers look for, like problem-solving, team-work, creative thinking and pitching ideas.
You can book a one-to-one appointment with a member of the Entrepreneurship team to meet online or face-to-face.
Further information: https://student.sussex.ac.uk/careers/entrepreneurship/funding/changemaker-challenge