Reaching Communities

The Big Lottery Fund (BIG) has introduced a series of improvements to the Reaching Communities programme for England , designed to make it easier for groups to apply.
At least £300 million will be awarded to projects making a difference to the lives of individuals and communities most in need, until 2013. The programme will continue to make awards of between £10,000 and £500,000 and will provide funding for up to five years.

There is no change to who can apply, what can be funded or the difference BIG wants to make with this programme. Applications may be submitted by voluntary and community groups, registered charities, schools and social enterprises.

Grants will be awarded for projects that:
offer people better chances in life, including being able to get better access to training and development;
build strong communities, with more active citizens, working together to tackle their problems;
develop improved rural and urban environments, which communities are better able to access and enjoy; and
create healthier and more active people and communities.

The improvements to the programme include the following:
For those applying for less than £40,000 per year, there will be a simpler application process and faster decision making than for those seeking greater amounts. This improvement is intended to benefit smaller organisations in particular.
Groups that are invited by BIG to complete a full application will now have a better chance of being funded.
BIG will provide more support for applicants at every stage of the application process, particularly in those areas, and for those groups, that have received less funding than expected.
BIG is also in the process of developing a capital stream which will launch later this year.

Proposals can be submitted at any time.

Go to www2.biglotteryfund.org.uk for more information.

Target Sectors

• Creative Industries
• Non-Creative Industries