How we evaluate ideas for K4G
At Kickstarting For Good, our mission is to transform the global food system by supporting, reducing, and replacing the consumption of animal products. We support nonprofit ventures that can drive this transformation in meaningful, scalable and lasting ways and that have the potential to create high-impact. If you’re thinking about applying to our programme, this page will show you what we’re looking for – and just as importantly, what we’re not.
Although we accept ideas outside of our idea areas, we give preference to the ideas that most closely align with them. This is because this list was created after extensive research and interviews with funders and stakeholders about what kind of initiatives are most needed (and most likely to find funding) in our movement. Our list of idea areas also most closely fits what experience and support we have within our Kickstarting For Good network.
How we evaluate candidates
A great idea poorly implemented will not be successful however, which is why we also evaluate the person as much as the idea. If you are wanting to see what we look for in applicants, see this page and quiz here:
Will my idea be accepted?
A quick checklist of what ideas are most likely to be successful when applying to Kickstarting For Good:
- Aligned with our mission to remove animals from the food system
- Non-profit or charity
- Fixes an important problem
- Measurable and tractable
- Solves a neglected issue
- Likely to receive funding
- Well-timed
- Led by the right people
- Scalable and high-impact
- Priority given to ideas that are aligned with our list of idea areas that we are most wanting to pursue
We are not looking for:
- Ideas for food products
- For-profit companies or initiatives
How we evaluate ideas:
Aligned with our mission to transform the food system away from animals
The most important requirement is that your idea is clearly aligned with our mission. Whether you’re working on policy, education, institutional change, public engagement or movement building, your initiative must contribute to directly or indirectly reducing animals in the food system. See our previous graduates for examples of initiatives which do this.
Fixes an important problem
We prioritise ideas that aim to solve big, meaningful problems. The issue you’re tackling should be highly consequential – one that, if addressed effectively, could lead to major improvements for animals, people and the planet.
Measurable and tractable
You can only measure impact if the results are clear and trackable. We look for ideas with defined outcomes and indicators so that progress can be measured and effectively evaluated.
Solves a neglected issue
We prioritise initiatives that focus on overlooked or underfunded issues. We’re looking for ideas that address areas where few others are working but where there’s high potential for change and impact.
Likely to receive funding
We support ideas that have a strong chance of securing follow-on funding to ensure that the project is not only able to survive but thrive. That means your initiative should be aligned with the interests of philanthropic funders and be capable of demonstrating clear value, impact and cost-effectiveness to future donors.
Well-timed
Timing matters. The most effective ideas are those that respond to current opportunities – whether it’s a policy window, a social shift or a breakthrough in research. We look for ideas where now is the right moment to act.
Led by the right people
For an idea to be successful, it needs exceptional people with experience, enthusiasm and the relevant skill sets to make it a reality. We’re also especially keen to work with teams of two or more co-founders who bring complementary skills, dedication and strategic thinking. Founders should be committed to our mission and be open to mentorship and collaboration.
Scalable and high-impact
We want to develop ideas that can expand well beyond their initial scope, reaching new regions, communities or sectors to deliver massive change. We are also excited by ideas that have already proven themselves in one region or sector that have the potential to expand to others.
What we are NOT looking for:
While we’re deeply supportive of innovation, for-profit initiatives and companies, or product-based ideas are not currently applicable for Kickstarting For Good.
If you have an idea for a food product which replaces an animal product, we would recommend the ProVeg Incubator. If you have a for-profit vegan or plant-based business, we would recommend Vegan Business Tribe.
Ready to apply?
If you’re passionate about transforming the food system and have a mission-aligned, nonprofit idea that is scalable, fundable, timely, and focused on a neglected problem – we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re working solo or already have a co-founding team, our structured 15-week programme will teach you the skills you need to launch or grow a high-impact initiative.
Take your self-assessment
A great idea poorly implemented will not be successful however, which is why we also evaluate the person as much as the idea.
If you are wanting to see what we look for in applicants, see this page and quiz here: