what makes a good application glenn austin 28 june 2013
TRANSCRIPT
Outcomes funderWhat we want to achieve with our funding
You must be able to demonstrate how your project meets at least one of our four programme
outcomes
Outcome 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)Overall success rate in the SE 51%
currently increasing at 55%
Reaching Communities (large grants)Stage 1Overall success rate in the SE 42%
currently decreasing at 31%Stage 2Overall success rate in the SE 31%
currently increasing at 60%
Common Mistakes
Awards for All • Not understanding what Awards for All
can fund• Applications incomplete on first
submission • Not returning requested documents at
conditional offer stage.
Reaching Communities• Outcomes unlikely to be achieved
Common Reject Reasons
• Outside programme remit - apply for things we do not fund (more suited to another lottery distributor)
• Insufficient evidence of need
• Unclear outcomes, or does not make link between project’s outcomes and programme outcomes
Why do you need to evidence need?
• High demand for limited resources
• Prove your project will make a difference
• Prove that you haven’t presumed what the community needs
• Prove that your project is the best way of addressing the need identified – what are the alternatives?
• Prove that you understand the community and their needs Don’t assume that readers
(funders and partners) will automatically see there is a need. It is up to you to convince them.
The “wow” factor
“Singularity of focus – doing 1 or 2 things that really make a
difference rather than solving world poverty
and hunger”
“Singularity of focus – doing 1 or 2 things that really make a difference rather
than solving world poverty and hunger”
“Singularity of focus – doing 1 or 2 things that really make a difference rather
than solving world poverty and hunger”
“A new approach and innovation – happy to take risk if planned
benefit is clear”
Making the best application: Hints and tips
• We are always happy to talk to you about potential projects at an early stage – call or email Big Advice.
• Read the guidance! Use the application form help notes.• Keep your answers simple, clear, specific and consistent.• Act on any feedback BIG has given you.• Remember to budget for everything i.e. inflation, auditors,
evaluation costs, full cost recovery. • Don’t rush – plan carefully. It might take longer than you
think to set up your project.• Proofread your form or ask someone else to read it; talk
through what you’ve written. Use the form’s checklist.
Where to find out morewww.biglotteryfund.org.uk
Big Advice Line: 0845 4 10 20 30
Textphone: 0845 6 02 16 59
Email: [email protected]