Big Lottery Fund Wandsworth Meet the Funder Event 14/03/2013
Introduction Jane Sterland Policy and Learning Officer London Regional Team Based in Holborn, London Responsible for delivery of BIG Lottery Fund programmes in London Region Outreach to support applicants and potential applicants
Today s Presentation Big Lottery Fund s key priorities Current programmes What BIG is looking for in applications Support and guidance available Q&A
BIG s Key Priorities
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: Outcome 1 Outcome 2 Outcome 3 Outcome 4 People having better chances in life, with better access to training and development to improve their life skills Stronger communities, with more active citizens, working together to tackle their problems Improved rural and urban environments, which communities are better able to access and enjoy Healthier and more active people and communities
BIG Focus in England Enriching places that support communities in which people lead fulfilling lives
Big s Funding Principles People Powered Change Partnership User Informed Local Long Term Evidence, Impact and Influence
BIG s Funding Programmes
BIG Funding Three main themes
BIG Funding Three main themes Demand led investments: Awards for All (Small grants up to 10,000) Reaching Communities (Larger grants up to 500,000) Strategic investments: Focusing on e.g. Older people, Unemployed young people, Early years children Social investments: Building Capabilities, Social Investment Bonds
Demand led programmes Awards for All Small grants scheme awarding 300-10,000 Applications from community & voluntary groups, schools, health bodies and parish / town councils Single stage application process decision in 6 weeks Project must be complete within one year of award
Awards for All in Wandsworth April 2009 to February 2013: 141 applications 78 awards totalling 450,620 Average award 7,769 Success rate 55%
Demand led programmes Reaching Communities Programme Larger grants scheme awarding 10,000-500,000 Main programme: o Revenue projects funding from 10,000-500,000 o Smaller capital projects funding from 10,000-50,000 Buildings programme: o Larger capital projects funding from 100,000-500,000 o Geographically targeted at most deprived areas
Demand led programmes 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 BIG gives decision typically within 6-8 months of application Project can take up to 5 years to complete
Reaching Communities in Wandsworth April 2006 to February 2013 71 outline applications 25 full applications 6 awards totalling 1,456,104 Average award 242,684 Success rate 8.5%
Strategic programmes A Better Start- Improve the life chances of over 10,000 children by investing 165 million over 8-10 years Silver Dreams - Supporting pioneering initiatives to help vulnerable older people, including 4 London projects Complex Needs - Up to 100m to improve the lives of people struggling under multiple problems - homelessness, reoffending, substance misuse and mental ill-health
Social Investments Social Investments Support initiatives to enable voluntary, community and not for profit organisations to attract capital and become more sustainable Building Capabilities Pre-grant and in-grant support to organisations to enable them to build their capabilities and skills
What BIG is looking for in applications
Good fit with BIG Outcomes Does your project support BIG s mission statement and priorities? Can you demonstrate that your project clearly meets the outcomes of the programme you are applying for? Awards for All at least one programme outcome Reaching Communities at least 2 clear outcomes Do your outcomes show the positive difference your project will make for your beneficiaries?
Clear definition of need for the project Use a broad range of information to make a strong case, and if in doubt add more rather than less Don t assume the Grant Officers assessing your application know about the needs of the people you are trying to help Make sure all sources of evidence are listed and dated, and all the information is up to date and relevant to your project
Beneficiaries involved at all stages of the project Taking part in surveys and focus groups Contributing to project planning and design Participating in day to day running Represented on steering group / project board Included in reviews and evaluations of project success
A well rounded application The project activities should demonstrate how the outcomes and aim will be achieved Taken together, the aim, outcomes and activities should show how the need described in the project will be met All sections of the application form completed with the required information (read the programmes guidelines first!)
Support and Guidance Available
BIG Website http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk
Awards for All website http://www.awardsforall.org.uk/england
Support and Guidance Available Programme Guidance Notes Getting Funding & Planning Successful Projects Online Guide Good Practice Guides e.g. equalities, involving young people Case studies of successful projects BIG Advice Line: 0845 4 10 20 30 Email enquiries: general.enquiries@biglotteryfund.org.uk
Support and Guidance Available BIG Websites: BIG Lottery Fund website: http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk Awards for All website: http://www.awardsforall.org.uk/england BIG Learning Zone: http://www.biglearningzone.org.uk
Questions and Comments?