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In 2025, for the first time, the Tom Fund will be making awards to graduating 3rd year BA Design students, to support projects beyond the degree program. One to three winners will receive a £1000 unrestricted award and a £500 mentoring allowance.

The deadline for applications is June 10 (NB previously June 6). Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by June 17 and short interviews will be held in person during the degree show, on June 19, or virtually in the days after. Decisions will be announced after the studio clearout, by July 4.

As part of their application, applicants will be asked to name a potential mentor who they would like to advise on their project. Soon after the award is made the awardee will be asked to contact their proposed mentor(s) and offer them the mentoring allowance in return for their advice. Awardees will be asked to write a short article (or similar) about progress with their work and the award by the end of the calendar year.

Apply using this form. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out to James at hello@tomfund.org.

FAQ

What are the judging criteria?

The goal of the award is to enable applicants to take ambitious steps to develop their practice after graduation.
This is not a ‘prize’ for the best degree show work, the strongest applicants will be those with the most exciting proposed next steps and the capacity to execute on them.

What kind of projects are you looking for?

We don’t know. We do know that we wouldn’t be excited about non-specific further study, or exhibition/promotion of previous work without further development. We liked alot of the projects that previously received awards from the Tom Fund.

Will I be eligible if I have any kind of plans already after graduation, e.g. a job?

Yes, applicants will be eligible regardless of their (future) employment status.

Who could I ask to be my mentor?

Anyone! Who would be the best person in the world? Why not ask them?

What would my mentor do?

That depends. We would anticipate that you would try to meet at least twice, ideally in person.

What if I win and my proposed mentor(s) says no?

You will need to ask someone else! The award will still stand.

I still have questions — who should I contact?

Email James at hello@tomfund.org.