We know that all great ideas have to start somewhere, so we support people who want to take action on the issues they care about. Start your journey with the STAND Ideas Collective today! (Deadline for applications is May 10th 2019.)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (click the + to read more!)

What is the Ideas Collective?

The Ideas Collective is a collaborative and creative space for you to come up with great ideas that could change the world! It is a social incubator for students and recent graduates with a focus on global issues.

What is a social incubator?

A social enterprise incubator helps early-stage social enterprises move ahead by providing training, tools and support. The immediate goal is to develop and launch successful social ventures, while also building the long-term capacity of social entrepreneurs and organisations.

What’s Involved?

The Ideas Collective kicks off in June with a welcome evening, where you will get to meet the rest of the group and the STAND team. This is followed by three training weekends over the summer. You must be free to take part in these sessions.

Where do the weekends take place?

The Ideas Collective workshops take place at the Fumbally Stables in Dublin city centre. This is a central location that is accessible by bus, Luas and train.

Who is eligible to apply?

Participants must be:

  • Resident in the Republic of Ireland.
  • Able to participate in ALL group sessions.
  • Able to commit at least 4 hours per week to their project(excluding workshops).
  • Interested in exploring issues and projects from a global perspective.
What kind of projects are eligible?

We are interested in ideas that have the power to change attitudes and behaviour around global issues such as climate change, racism, gender equality, forced migration, poverty and educational inequality. Projects should fall into one of two categories:

Public engagement
These are projects to increase public awareness and engagement with a social or environmental issue. These might be projects that raise awareness or deepen understanding of an issue; fundraising campaigns to support a cause; or campaigns that call on those in power to make a change. They might include a website, a film or documentary, an animation, a podcast, an event, a petition, etc.

Innovative solutions
These are projects that deliver a practical solution – a product or service that addresses a social or environmental issue. Solutions might involve technology (eg an app), engineering (eg waste management systems), community (eg volunteering initiatives), medicine (eg devices or treatment), education (eg teaching aids), therapy (eg mindfulness)…

What kind of projects are not eligible?

Projects that do not address a social or environmental issue are not eligible.

Projects that do not connect the issue they are trying to address to a global issue are not eligible.

If you want to discuss whether or not your idea is eligible, you can contact Joanne Mulligan at [email protected] or call (01) 662 1400.

I don't have a specific idea – is that ok?

If you don’t have an idea at this stage, don’t let that put you off. The first stages of the programme are about understanding your own personal power and what changes you can make in the world, while also learning about different global issues. If you start with an idea, it might change during this process anyway!

I’ve already started working on a project – is that ok?

Yes, that’s fine. The Ideas Collective focuses on early-stage ideas, so depending on how far you’ve progressed your idea, you might want to work on a new dimension to your project, or use it as an opportunity to step back and assess if you’re on the right path.

How much does it cost?

The full cost of the Ideas Collective is over €500, but thanks to our funding from Irish Aid, you can avail of huge discounts.

SUPER EARLY BIRD (until 14 April)

  • Students* €40
  • Recent Grads** €50
  • Non-students €220

SUPER EARLY BIRD (until 30 April)

  • Students €55
  • Recent Grads €65
  • Non-students €235

LATE BIRD  (until 10 May)

  • Students €70
  • Recent Grads €80
  • Non-students €250

Further discounts are available for groups of up to four people.

*Students must be due to graduate in 2019 or later.
**Recent grads must have graduated in 2017 or 2018.

 

What’s included in the cost?

In short… a lot! The cost of the Ideas Collective includes:

  • 45+ hours of training and workshops spread over three weekends during the summer (Jun, Jul, Aug), with lunch provided.
  • Your own dedicated 1-to-1 coach for 3-6 months (Jun-Aug or Jun-Nov).
  • Talks by experienced entrepreneurs and experts.
  • The chance to develop valuable personal and professional skills.
  • Support and resources from STAND staff and your peers in the collective.
When is the participation fee due?
Payment is made after your interview, once you have been officially accepted on the Ideas Collective programme. We will note the date that we receive your application to determine if you are entitled to the Super Early Bird, Early Bird or Late Bird Fee. All payments will be made by online payment, and must be paid before the induction evening in early June. 
What kinds of projects have been involved in the past?

The Ideas Collective is now in its fifth year and we’ve had some fantastic projects. You can read more about them here.

I still have questions – who can I talk to?

We’re here to help! If you have questions about any aspect of the Ideas Collective, you can chat with Joanne Mulligan at [email protected] or (01) 662 1400