Big Lottery Fund: Changes to the Reaching Communities programme
The Big Lottery Fund has announced a number of changes to how the Reaching Communities programme works. The application process has been changed but who can apply to the programme, what it will fund, and the difference the programme is designed to make, remains the same.
Changes
- In order to benefit smaller organizations there will be a simpler application process for groups applying for up to £40K/annum. There will also be quicker decisions on these applications.
- Reaching Communities are currently developing a community buildings stream which will be launched later in the year.
- They are aiming to increase the support they provide for applicants, with an emphasis on areas where fewer grants have been made than they would have expected.
- Reaching Communities intends to support networking and learning opportunities for funded groups to learn from each other and share good practice.
Application Process:
From Wednesday 14th April a new outline proposal form will be available to download. Applicants will have until Friday 30th April to submit applications using the old form. Applicants will find out if they are invited to complete a full application within 20 working days of completing the first stage form.
Organisations rejected at the first stage will receive detailed feedback as to how they could improve their application in order to enhance their chances of success and will be able to submit a further application whenever they wish.
Full applications will need to be completed within four months and will now take less time to be assessed. It is anticipated that if you are invited to submit a full application you will have a much better chance of success. Current programme success rate for full applications is 28 per cent.
The programme will continue to make awards between £10,000 and £500,000 and will continue to fund for up to five years. At least £300 million will be awarded between now and 2013 to projects making a difference to the lives of individuals and communities most in need.
Consultants at Charity Fundraising Ltd have lots of experience with the Reaching Communities programme providing bid writing and bid review services with great success. Get in touch if you would like us to quote for supporting you with your Reaching Communities application.
