IMPORTANT UPDATE: Update on Demand

Due to a significant rise in demand for UnLtd Awards, we have introduced a limit on the number of applications we can accept and process in each award making round. From now on, each funding round will be limited to 650 submitted applications.

Learn more

Welcome to the Funding Futures Programme

Led by UnLtd, in partnership with Co-op Foundation and Phoenix Group, the Funding Futures Programme funds and supports 16-30 year-olds with the most impactful ideas to help those sidelined by the financial system. We give them the tools they need to build financial resilience in their communities, so they become fairer places to live, with opportunities for all.

5 min read
Updated 9 Feb 2026

In this Welcome Pack, you can find more information about the support you'll be able to access as well as what you can expect at the start of your Award.

Turn your ideas into reality and show what you can achieve. Unlock the power and apply for funding today.

Getting Started

When you receive your Award, you'll be matched with a Support Manager who will help shape your journey ahead. You'll get to meet fellow Award Winners, find out more about the Funding Futures Programme and UnLtd, and complete a diagnostic tool which will help us identify areas you'd like support with.

Your Journey Timeline

  1. Accept your Award: Follow the guidance in our Approval Email to formally accept your Award from 6th Jan 26.
  2. Meet your SE Support Manager: Your Support Manager will be in touch in the new year to arrange to meet you.
  3. Join our Welcome Workshop: 15th January (10am-12pm). Meet other Award winners, learn more about UnLtd, your award and our upcoming support and learning events.
  4. Join our Connect & Share session: 28th January (12pm-1pm). A monthly, online peer support space to connect with fellow entrepreneurs working to improve financial literacy, access to employment and social mobility.
  5. Complete the Diagnostic Tool: Tell us more about your venture and the impact you want to achieve with the help of your Support Manager.
  6. Start shaping your journey.

Shaping Your Support Journey

As an UnLtd Award Winner, you will be able to access the advice, guidance and expertise you need to build your social venture and grow your impact.

  • Your Support Manager: Dedicated 1-2-1 coaching throughout your Award period.
  • Pro-bono (free) legal advice: Professional 1-2-1 support offered by our legal partners.
  • Connect & Share: Monthly online sessions to connect with and learn from fellow social entrepreneurs.
  • Learning Journeys: Meet and experience the work of fellow entrepreneurs through our in-person events.
  • Business mentoring: 1-2-1 tailored sessions with a mentor from our wide network of business professionals.
  • Upskill with your peers: Regular and varied calendar of workshops from expert facilitators.
  • Financial Fundamentals Hub: Access our new financial management hub for your social venture packed with practical resources.
  • Impact Measurement Tool: We are rolling out a tool to help you collect and analyse data about your social impact.

Introducing our Impact Measurement Tool

Our tool makes measuring your impact easier than ever. It will help you:

  • Track Your Impact: Easily measure changes in your beneficiaries' lives.
  • Turn Data into a Story: Use numbers to communicate the value of your work.
  • Save Time: Simple and ready to use, so you can focus on your work.

"I really like how it provides something tangible—concrete stats, data, and numbers—that we can share with others to demonstrate the value of what we do." — Juan Lopez, founder of Raza Sana

To start using the tool:

  1. Express your interest to your Support Manager.
  2. Fill out our registration form. We will reach out to you with more details once you register.
  3. Join the following online sessions to make the most out of the tool:
  • Making Sense of Your Data & Evaluation Methods: 29th Jan 2026 (10-12). Access code: DE26
  • Communicating Impact & Social Value Methodology: 12th Mar 2026 (10-12). Access code: SV27

Our Support Builds Your Spark & Mettle

UnLtd's wide range of support is designed to ignite your Spark for social change and build your Mettle to develop a viable and resilient social venture.

  • SPARK: Giving you opportunities for personal growth, leading with equity and achieving your impact.

  • Focus: Leading well, Social impact.

  • METTLE: Helping you to build strong foundations from which to grow your social business.

  • Focus: Financial Health, Operational Management.

SPARK: Leading Well & Social Impact

Visit our Eventbrite page to check all upcoming workshops and events.

Key Online Workshop Topics:

  • Wellbeing: Master the balance of passion and self-care.
  • Inclusive Practice: Increase your EDI awareness and build inclusive working environments.
  • Networking Skills: Gain skills and tips on effective networking offline and online.
  • Social Impact: Using data and insights and building your impact story.
  • Strategic Development: Crafting your vision, mission and roadmap for change.
  • Leadership & Management: Become a stronger leader and make your time count.

Corporate Partners and Peer Events:

  • Connect & Share: Regular in-person events to 'connect and share' with peers in the social enterprise sector, helping you to strengthen your network and build a market leading community in your local region.

METTLE: Operational Management & Financial Health

Visit our Eventbrite page to check all upcoming workshops and events.

Key Online Workshop Topics:

  • Governance, Compliance & Legal Structures: Choosing the right legal structure and its implications.
  • Financial Planning: Learn financial management, bookkeeping and budgeting fundamentals.
  • Operational Management and HR: Introduction to safeguarding and managing projects and staff.
  • Routes to Market & Income Diversification: Practical tools for income generation, business development.
  • Sales & Marketing: Build a strong understanding of Branding, PR & Social Media and how to create engaging content.

Corporate Partners Events:

  • Law 101: Cooley, one of the UK's leading legal firms, host an all-day event to provide an accessible overview of the key legal issues facing social enterprises through workshops, breakout sessions and 1:1 sessions with friendly, approachable lawyers.
  • Bid Writing Clinics: Online/in person workshops with expert volunteers to improve your chances of winning grant funding by providing detailed feedback and improvements on draft bids/grant applications.

Start Making the Most of Your Support

  • Visit our website: unltd.org.uk/awards/funding-futures-programme
  • Contact your Support Manager
  • Register to the first online Connect & Share session: on 28th January (12-1 PM)