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

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

TOP TEN TIPS

Make this your checklist

1. Read the guidance notes

They’re written for the benefit of the applicant

2. Don’t chase funding streams

Funders can tell if you’re forcing your project to fit

3. Get your governance sorted

Insurances, policies and procedures

Read our Good Governance Guide

4. Involve your beneficiaries

They will be fundamental to the design of the project

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

6. Outcomes

Are you clear about the difference your project will make

7. Plan your project

Know how it links to your organisation and your aims

8. Get your finances sorted

Know your budget

9. Be aware of timescales

Consider the time you will need to allow

10. Find a critical friend

They can be more honest

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

Getting funding and planning successful projects

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