Questions
What types of projects can I apply with?
Your project must promote young people's mental health and wellbeing in your community. Projects that only help one person won't be accepted. Don't hold back, the bigger and bolder the idea, the better. If you think you need some inspiration, check out our Get Inspired videos.
Can individuals apply?
Yes, once your project will benefit other young people in your community. But you can also team up with a group of friends. Up to three or four people can lead the project, but you can get as many people as you like to be followers.
How old do I need to be to be part of Think Big?
You need to be between 14 and 25 to apply for and run a project, but people of any age can get involved by following your project on Twitter or seeing your project updates on Facebook.
Is it possible to submit more than one application?
Individuals or groups can submit a project every month provided they relate to substantially different projects. But to make things fair, we can only award funding up to four times a year to make your project a reality. You are able to re-apply for funding if your original project was unsuccessful.
Can I apply offline using a written application form?
Yes, you can apply to Think Big offline using a written application form. You can download the application form here.download Please return your written application form to the following address; FAO: Nuala Smith, Headstrong, 16 Westland Square, Pearse Street, Dublin 2
What can we spend the money on?
You can spend your money on the things that can help you complete your project. Just not on paying yourself! Your O2 mentor will help you manage and plan this before you start your project and receive your funding.
Who should I put down as my referees?
Your referees need to be people who know you and what you want to do, but who aren't directly involved with your project. Ideally your referees are part of your community, like a boss, teacher or coach, or even a parent or guardian. One of your parents can be a referee but not both. If you are under 18, you must have a parent or guardian as your referee. It's best to choose people who might be able to support you as you go through Think Big. Your referees will get a call from us once we've looked at your application.
When will I find out if I got into the programme?
We'll try to make this happen as quickly as possible. The monthly deadline for applications is the last Thursday of every month. Once we get your application we'll review it and get back to you by the second Thursday of every month. If you're one of the lucky successful applicants we will contact you to let you know the good news, and your O2 mentor will get in touch about planning the next steps.
What happens if we aren't successful with our application?
If your application for one particular project isn't successful the first time, we'll give you some feedback to make it better, so you can increase your chances next time you apply.
When do I get the money?
You will receive your funding and the rest of your Think Big merchandise once you have agreed your project plan with your O2 mentor.
Do I have to provide receipts for the things I buy?
We would suggest you keep receipts for your own records. However it is not a requirement for your Think Big project.
Can I just apply for a Level 2 project without doing a Level 1 project first?
Yes, you can, once you have shown you have experience in delivering a project in your community before.
Do projects have to be finished by a certain time?
Yes, we ask that you complete your project within a three month time frame. However, if you get side tracked and need more time, you can discuss this and agree with your O2 mentor.
How do I tell you about my project?
Keeping us up-to-date with what's happening in your project is an important part of Think Big, so keep updating your web page and call us at any time to let us know if you have any problems. We're here to help and we'd love to hear from you.
Do I have to attend a training day?
Yes. The training day is designed to develop your skills and build confidence and will include sessions on topics like youth mental health, project planning and fundraising.
Where will the training take place?
Training days will be held every two months at O2's Head Office in Sir John Rogerson's Quay in Dublin. To make this easier for you, travel expenses will be paid for by the Think Big programme.
Will I be allowed to miss a day of school/college for my training day?
We will schedule training days at the weekends so that you don't need to miss any important school or college days.
Can I bring a parent/guardian/youth worker on my training with me?
Yes that's fine; just make sure you let us know because we need to plan the total number of people attending.
There are 7 of us doing my project. How many of us can come to the training?
Up to 7 team members on a project are invited to attend training, just let us know how many so we can cater for everybody.
I am worried about how much the travel is going to cost. Can you book my train ticket?
Don't worry, we'll cover the cost of your return ticket from your nearest train or bus station. You'll need to make sure you give us this information, so that we can book your tickets.
How long does the training day last?
The normal training day will last from 10-4, although this may vary slightly depending on the schedule. We'll make sure that we let you know.
If I am having any problems with my project, who do I ask?
You will be assigned an O2 mentor who will help and advise you on your way and will be happy to answer any questions you may have. As a member of the Think Big Community, you will also be able to ask questions and interact with other young people doing projects via the online forum and notice-board.
Who runs Think Big?
Think Big is a Pan-European programme that has been created to help young people on their transition to adulthood. Telefónica O2 Ireland is in partnership with Headstrong to promote positive mental health and wellbeing for young people in Ireland.
Do I have to be a registered charity or organisation to apply?
No. You don't have to be a registered charity or part of a formal organisation, but your project does have to address a youth mental health issue or help your community.


