Big Lottery Fund Institute of Fundraising Conference 22/02/2016
Introduction Jane Sterland Funding Officer London Local Team Based in Holborn, London Supporting applicants and potential applicants Raising BIG s awareness of local needs and priorities
London Funding Officer Patches
Big Lottery Fund BIG is one of four distributors of Lottery funding We are responsible for 40% of all the money raised for good causes by the National Lottery We are the biggest community funder in the UK 80-90% of our funding goes to community and voluntary organisations Most of the local organisations we support receive little or no government funding
Big Lottery Fund Mission The Big Lottery Fund is committed to bringing real improvements to communities and to the lives of people most in need
BIG is an outcomes funder Your project must meet at least one of these four outcomes: People having better chances in life Stronger communities Improved rural and urban environments Healthier and more active people and communities
Our Vision People in the Lead We believe people should be in the lead in improving their lives and communities. Our approach will focus on the skills, assets and energy that people can draw upon and the potential of their ideas.
Big s Funding Priorities Partnership User Informed Local Long Term Evidence and Impact
Funding Programmes
BIG Funding Three main themes Demand led: Awards for All (Small grants up to 10,000) Reaching Communities (Larger grants upwards from 10,000) Targeted large programmes: Women and Girls, Help Through Crisis, Early years children, Unemployed young people, People with multiple complex needs, Older people Social investment: Big Potential, Social Investment Bonds
Demand Led Funding Awards for All Reaching Communities Rolling grant programmes so no closing date Open to a wide range of ideas that meet our outcomes Aim to give communities what they need to address issues
Awards for All Programme Small grants scheme awarding 300-10,000 Applications from community & voluntary groups, schools, health bodies and parish / town councils Single stage application process BIG gives decision within 8 weeks of application Project must be complete within one year of award
Reaching Communities Programme Larger grants scheme awarding grants over 10,000 Main programme: o Revenue projects funding from 10,000 (average 275,000) o Smaller capital projects funding from 10,000-100,000 Buildings programme: o Larger capital projects funding from 100,000 for community buildings o Geographically targeted at most deprived areas
Reaching Communities Programme Very competitive programme success rate one in ten Applications from community & voluntary groups, charities, statutory bodies, social enterprises, not-for-profit companies Two-stage application process to identify fundable projects BIG gives decision typically within 8-9 months of application Project can take up to 5 years to complete
What BIG is looking for in applications
What BIG is looking for in applications Project is appropriate for the programme A good fit with BIG outcomes Strong evidence that your project is needed Proof that your project will make a difference Beneficiaries consulted and involved in all stages of the project
Check the Programme Guidelines Is your organisation eligible? Do you have required governance in place? Are you asking for funding for a project? Are your project activities suitable for the programme? Would the programme fund your project costs? Can you start / complete your project in the required timescale?
Research services in your area Is other work being done to support your beneficiaries? Will your project fill a gap in service? Does it support local priorities? Are there any similar projects in your area? What has BIG funded in your area already?
Start by defining Need Go back to basics assume the Grant Officers assessing your application know nothing about the needs of the people you are trying to help Provide a range of evidence - make sure all sources of evidence are listed and dated, and all the information is up to date and relevant to your project Make a strong case use a broad range of consultation and information - and if in doubt add more rather than less
Gather information to support your case Consult with project beneficiaries include all groups who will benefit from your project Involve stakeholders e.g. local Council, community representatives, health providers, parent groups Build your evidence e.g. surveys, focus groups, results of pilot projects You will need to show that your project is needed, supported and will make a difference!
Developing a strong application Project Need Project Aim The overall point of your project Project Need Project Outcomes The difference you want to make or the change you want to bring about for your beneficiaries Project Activities The services and activities you will carry out to meet the outcomes and achieve the project aim
Real Unsuccessful Applications The outcomes need to focus on the difference that the project will make to the lives of the beneficiaries It is unclear from the activities as to what services they will provide to achieve the outcomes Evidence of need could be much stronger and is not dated so it is hard to establish how current it is The applicant lists the organisations and people they have consulted but does not provide any dates or findings
Real Successful Applications Beneficiaries and their needs are clearly identified A full range of activities has been provided that will clearly deliver the project outcomes Varied and relevant external evidence confirms the issues identified and shows support for the project and gaps in current service Beneficiaries involved in management committee, user group, consultation, project planning and design, volunteering, recruitment and evaluation
Tips for Success Read the guidelines and use all other help available Start by defining need make it the core of your application Focus on your beneficiaries and the difference that your project will make to them Get a critical friend to review your application before submission If not successful first time, ask for feedback and try again!
Support and Guidance Available
Support and Guidance Available Big Lottery Fund website: http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk Programme Guidance Notes Good Practice Guides e.g. equalities, involving young people Case studies of successful projects Online courses http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/englandwebinars BIG Advice Line: 0845 4 10 20 30 Email enquiries: general.enquiries@biglotteryfund.org.uk
Big Lottery Fund website http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk
Big Lottery Fund website http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk
Questions and Comments?