Post on 15-Dec-2015
Big Lottery FundWhat REALLY does make a good application and why funding applications fail
Sarah CarrollFunding Officer (Local)
15 May 2014
How is the Lottery pound spent?
• Camelot (0.5 pence)• Prize money (50 pence)• Taxes (12 pence)• Retailer (5 pence)• Administration (4.5 pence)• Good causes (28 pence)
Who distributes ‘good causes’ money?•Big Lottery Fund (40%):
www.biglotteryfund.org.uk
•Arts Council England (20%): www.artscouncil.org.uk
•Heritage Lottery Fund (20%): www.hlf.org.uk
•Sport England (20%): www.sportengland.orgWhich distributor is right for you?
Our mission is to bring real improvements tocommunities and the lives of people most in need.
We have awarded funds to many outstanding projectsall over the UK who have made a fantastic difference.
But we can always do more….
From February to July 2014, we are inviting people to add their voice to a UK wide conversation around key areas of Big Lottery Fund’s work.
Your views will help us consider our role as a
funder and help shape our vision and plans from 2015 to 2021.
Big Lottery Fund - outcomesOutcome 1: People having better chances in life, with better access to training and development to improve their life skills
Outcome 2: Stronger communities, with more active citizens, working together to tackle their problems
Outcome 3: Improved rural and urban environments, which communities are better able to access and enjoy
Outcome 4: Healthier and more active people and communities
Understanding the Funding EnvironmentDemand-led programmes: Chances of Success
Awards for All (small grants)success rate currently 60%
Reaching Communities (large grants)Stage 1currently decreasing at 31%Stage 2success rate currently 60%
Awards for All
• £300 - £10,000
• 12 months to spend grant
• New activity and projects
• Repeat and regular activities –
If income less than £30,000 in last financial year
• Not for running costs
• Simple application form
• Up to £10,000 in any 12 month period
What can Awards for All pay for?
• equipment hire or purchase
• information technology equipment
• building and refurbishment work
• professional fees
• training
• updating equipment and premises for health and safety reasons
• volunteer expenses
• transport costs
• venue hire
• Research / feasibility studies
Reaching Communities
Two strands
• Reaching Communities (two stage)
– Revenue grants £10,000+– Capital grants £10,000-£100,000
• Reaching Communities Buildings (three stage)
Outcomes focussed
Community led
Reaching Communities You must contact us if...•You are applying for Reaching Communities Buildings project
OR
•You are planning to apply for more than £500,000
OR
•Your project has previously been funded by us
Some recent local successes─ Chatterbox LGBT Group - £8,033
─ The Elizabeth Foundation - £5,775
─ Portsmouth Training Co-operative - £10,000
─ The Parade Community Pre-School - £5,394
─ Moving Forward - £3,986
─ Guinea Community of Portsmouth - £9,595
─ Mustard Seed Ministries - £368,593
─ Connors Toy Library - £291,782
5. Evidence the need
It’s not just about what you think
Don’t assume that readers (funders and partners) will automatically see there is a
need. It is up to you to convince
them.
Sources of evidence
‘Hard’ Information
Local statisticsFocus groupsQuestionnairesInterviews
Focus groups
Consultations
Interviews
‘Before and after’ data Deprivation
Index
Census
Strategies and policies
Research reports
Local & national priorities
Local statistics
Questionnaires
Letters of support
‘Hard’ Information
Waiting lists Office for National
Statistics
‘Soft’ information
Pitfalls to Avoid
Don’t.....
Rush or jump right in without reading the guidelines
Assume the need for your project ‘speaks for itself’
Forget to include sources and dates for all your evidence
Omit to consult beneficiaries and stakeholders
Focus on the organisation, building or activities rather than the people you want to help
Do....
Keep your answers simple, clear, specific and consistent.
Act on any feedback we have given you.
Proofread your form and use the form’s checklist.
Make sure your application links together
FUTURE FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES:
Power to ChangeSupporting community-led enterprises and kick starting community action across EnglandPower to Change is a new initiative which will invest up to £150 million to support the development of sustainable community-led enterprises across England. It will be delivered by an independent Trust.
We envisage that the Trust will open to applicationsfor funding in the second half of 2014.
Where to find out more
www.biglotteryfund.org.uk
Big Advice Line: 0845 4 10 20 30
Textphone: 0845 6 02 16 59
Email: general.enquiries@biglotteryfund.org.uk