RIBA Local Initiative Fund 2024 now open for applications

Applications are now welcomed for the 2024 Local Initiative Fund from the extensive global network of volunteer, member-led branches, chapters, and groups affiliated with RIBA.

The projects submitted should:

1. Better engage RIBA Members, supporting the building of local connections and opportunities for collaborative working, and gain insight into member needs.

2. Support developing a diverse profession, and engaging with under-represented groups and our wider communities.

3. Promote how RIBA Membership meets the needs of all our members and prospective members.

4. Build awareness of local RIBA value through events and programmes of activity for both RIBA Members and other built environment professionals.

5. Act as an informative project that will enhance professional development and learning within the profession.

6. Better engage with international members and prospective members.

7. Support a project that will present RIBA in ways that demonstrably encourage architects who are not members to become RIBA Members.

8. Meet any other requirements set out in the application form for LIF funding for the relevant year.

“The RIBA Local Initiative Fund empowers a wide range of grassroots member activities. In 2023 over 100 member-led projects were funded, providing an array of fantastic and inspirational activity.

It is great news that the fund for 2024 will continue, enabling RIBA Members to turn their ideas into action once more.

The engaging and creative work led by RIBA Members in regional networks and local communities would not be possible without collaboration. The teamwork between our volunteer members and the RIBA resulted in a fabulous range of activities promoting architecture, addressing important professional issues, engaging stakeholders, supporting students, and so much more in 2023.

I can’t wait to see what we can achieve in 2024.”

Tom Foggin, RIBA Vice President Membership

2024 LIF timeline

Launch communications to N&RCC members: Monday 18 December 2023

Applications open: Tuesday 19 December 2023

Closing date for applications: Friday 16 February 2024

Awards to be agreed and communicated: Friday 15 March 2024

Find out more about the Local Initiative Fund, including guidance and a link to the application form.

Highlights from the 2023 LIF cycle

Local initiative funding for the 2023 cycle was open to global networks of RIBA affiliate branches, chapters, special interest groups and collective applications by regional councils.

The success of the funding is dependent on fully supported and operational branches, chapters and groups.

Here are some of the highlights from this year's funding:

1. LIF has been an enabler in reinvigorating previously dormant branches in areas such as Oxford, Cheshire, Lincoln, Nottingham and Derby
   
2. It has been used to support reducing isolation for rural architects in Devon – including a programme of in-person building tours and terrain talks
3. London grew its Nerdworking initiative, delivered in practices across the city – "networking for the more introvert amongst us"
4. The Royal Society of Architects in Wales (RSAW) promoted the importance of Welsh heritage and architecture including Wales in London Week and a design week of exhibitions and talks in Cardiff, Narbeth, and Mid Wales
5. Small and Emerging Practice groups in Yorkshire and the East region continued to deliver programmes relevant to sole and smaller practices
6. LIF has supported the development of strategic relationships – collaboration with Design West, Stirling talks in Bristol and Exeter
7. In the East Midlands, we delivered talks and lectures in collaboration with RTPI, RICS, CIOB and CIBSE
8. Groups who are passionate about ED&I delivered events such as the digital JEDI talks in the North East region, attracting global audience
9. It had been four years since the last Festival of Architecture in Norwich and Norfolk. FANN 2023 celebrated the branch’s 100th year anniversary
10. Supported RIBA Future Architects and delivery in partnership with RIBA validated schools of architecture – recent AI event at Nottingham Trent University
11. Two more editions of Cambridge Architecture were published, supported by LIF, match grant funding, and advertising revenue in the publication
12. A total of 125 attendees joined the Hong Kong Chapter Conference, including RIBA Members, members from AIAHK and architects from the Hong Kong Institute of Architects
13. The Hong Kong Design Awards Ceremony attracted over 100 attendees at the opening night and provided a much need networking opportunity for members
    
14. The Sri Lanka Conference welcomed renowned international guest speakers and attracted an audience of RIBA and AIA Members from Sri Lanka and South East Asia region

Find out more

Keep up to date with RIBA events and programmes throughout the year.

Find your local RIBA branch on our website or via our social media channels.