Applications are now welcomed for the 2025 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.
"RIBA's Local Initiative Fund enables a wide range of grassroots member activities. In 2024 over 100 member-led projects were funded, providing an array of fantastic and inspirational activity.
It is great news that the fund for 2025 will continue, allowing RIBA Members to turn their ideas into action once again.
The creative work led by RIBA Members who volunteer their expertise, knowledge, and support in regional networks and local communities would not be possible without collaboration. The teamwork between our volunteer members and RIBA resulted in a fabulous range of activities promoting architecture, addressing important professional issues, engaging stakeholders, supporting students, and so much more in 2024.
I can’t wait to see what we can achieve in 2025."
Tom Foggin, RIBA Vice President Membership
2025 LIF timeline
Launch communications to Nations and Regions Committee: Friday 6 December 2024
Applications open: Monday 9 December 2024
Closing date for applications: Friday 14 February 2025
Awards to be agreed and communicated in March 2025
Highlights from the 2024 LIF cycle
Local initiative funding for the 2024 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:
- 2024 has seen the LIF fund enable 16 more branches and groups to deliver local activity than in 2023
- LIF has been an enabler in reinvigorating previously dormant branches in areas such as Exeter, Shropshire and Guernsey
- It has been used to support sole practices in the London region with a programme of talks on topics in direct response to member practice needs
- Delivering a range of activity to improve equity across the profession through regional networks and groups including the North East JEDI talks and RIBA North West EDI Group
- Small and Emerging Practice groups in London, Yorkshire, East, and North East regions continue to deliver programmes, supporting sole and smaller practices
- The South region’s Conservation Group delivered two building tours and a further 10 digital events for members in 2024
- RIBA Stirling Prize finalists travelled to Leeds for Stirling Stories North and the Leeds Society of Architects presented 4 events over 4 weeks with their 4X4 lecture series in collaboration with local Schools of architecture
- The Young Architects Practitioner's Forum (YAPF) in the North East continued their Skills for Success series of talks and launched a new Young Professionals annual awards
- The development of the ‘Make it Happen’ programme with Nottingham City Council and other professional bodies – RTPI, ICE, CIOB
- Development of the Birmingham Youth Panel in collaboration with Birmingham City Council, engaging young people in design and planning for the City
- RIBA Europe was launched in 2024 with events in Madrid, Paris, and Milan
- LIF supported the re launch of RIBA Singapore Chapter
- RIBA Hong Kong Chapter’s programme of events included Net Zero heroes workshop and a sketching exhibition in collaboration with The Hong Kong Design Centre
- RIBA Gulf panel discussions explored the vital role of women in leadership positions within the architecture industry and how young designers can make their mark in a rapidly changing industry
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.
