Although the pre-election period traditionally brings with it the arrival of tumbleweed on the funding scene, there are still some good current opportunities for those seeking funding for technology projects aimed at delivering social impact.

1. Comic Relief Tech for Good

How much: £15,000 – £60,000

Deadline: 3pm, Friday 8 May

Type of funding: Grant

After years of supporting social inclusion projects, it’s encouraging to see Comic Relief investing in digital technology. Borrowing its name from the unrelated Tech4Good Awards, the fund is targeted at not for profits with some existing tech expertise who want to deliver social change. Six-month projects will need to start in mid-July and mentoring support is available from Comic Relief. The guidance states: ‘We’re looking to fund projects that use software and digital technology as a part of a solution to addressing any of our UK Main Fund themes: Better Futures, Safer Lives, Healthier Finances, Stronger Communities, Fairer Society.’ This makes it a good fund for tech projects across a broad range of social good themes.

2. Innovate UK: Smart 2015/16

How much: Either:

i) Proof of market: up to £25k (60% of project costs)

ii) Proof of concept: up to £100k (60% of project costs)

iii) Prototype development: up to £250k (35-45% of project costs)

Deadline: 21 May 2015, thereafter bi-monthly

Type of funding: Grant (match funding required)

This grant scheme from Innovate UK, previously known as the Technology Strategy Board, offers funding to small and medium-sized enterprises to engage in research and development projects in the areas of science, engineering and technology, from which successful new products, processes and services could emerge. There’s an emphasis on commercial potential, lending itself well to start-ups with a technologically innovative product or service, without the social inclusion focus of other funds on this list.

3. Ufi Charitable Trust’s Vocational Learning Technology Fund

How much: £15k – £50k

Deadline: Stage 1 closes on 15 May 2015

Type of funding: Grant

Ufi Charitable Trust has its roots in the charity which developed learndirect (I’ll declare an interest here, as it was my former employer). Its history can be evidenced in the ambitions of its Vocational Learning Technology Fund, aimed at ‘organisations with current projects which demonstrate the potential for using digital technology in novel and imaginative ways to develop new services or improve access or delivery of adult vocational learning (including assessment). This fund will provide support for ventures to develop their ideas into more robust digital products or services.’ Applications from start-ups and entrepreneurs are particularly encouraged. Potential applicants are invited to attend a pre-application workshop (if you’re quick there’s one in Birmingham on 5 May), or a web-chat with the CEO. This is worth serious consideration if you’re developing a digital product or service which could impact on adult education.

4. Nesta Impact Investments

How much: £150k – £1m in any one funding round, with potential for further investment

Deadline: Ongoing

Type of funding: Equity investment or debt deals – no grants given.

Although I find Nesta to be a slightly elusive funder – they don’t offer workshops or invite engagement in the same way as some other large organisations – they’re a significant investor in social tech and attract other investors including Omidyar Network and Big Society Capital. This particular fund is aimed at entrepreneurs and strong leaders within early stage organisations who are past the proof of concept stage (not absolute start-ups) with the potential to generate both social and financial returns.

The fund is seeking innovations that tackle the challenges faced by three groups:

• older people
• children and young people
• communities.

This fund is suitable for reasonably well-developed products or services which are confident of generating income from their product or service and need significant investment to scale up.

5. Crowdfunding

How much: up to you, but bear in mind some platforms work on an ‘all or nothing’ basis with the target you set

Funding type: Donations

Whatever stage you’re at with your project, crowdfunding can be a successful way of raising funds. Selecting which platform to use can be a bit of a minefield, but Crowding In is a good tool to help select the right one for you. I’m a fan of Crowdshed, which offers support throughout the process, as well as a fantastic central London venue where you can hold your launch event. Don’t get too hung up on the platform, as the important part is how you communicate and use your networks to make as much noise about the campaign as possible. NCVO offers some useful guidance on crowdfunding.

Outside these five current opportunities, it’s also worth keeping an eye on Nominet Trust as they’re one of the most prolific grant funders of social tech. They’re currently in the midst of assessing their Social Tech Seed Fund applications so their next funding round is unlikely to be for a few months. Bethnal Green Ventures is also an approachable funder for social tech, typically taking a 6% equity share; its next funding round will be in September 2015.

Finally, I’ll be looking out for the Growth Fund, to be launched on 1 May by Access: The Foundation for Social Investment. If you can make it through the jargon-filled blurb, it promises easier finance for early stage social enterprises.

Don’t forget that May’s nearly upon us, so you’ll need to move fast to get your applications in – good luck!