The Big Lottery Fund has recently changed the application process to the People and Places Programme by introducing an initial conversation, either by email or by phone, to discuss the project idea. If the project is a good match for the programme, an application pack will be sent to the group. If the project is not eligible or not a good fit, the Big Lottery Fund’s Advice Team will provide feedback. The old application form will be accepted until 31 October 2017. 
In addition to the change to the application process, the programme has now been split into two strands:
• Medium grants offers funding from £10,001 to £100,000 for projects lasting up to five years.
• Large grants offers funding from £100,001 to £500,000 for projects lasting up to five years.
The People and Places Programme offers revenue and capital funding for projects where people and communities are working together and using their strength to make positive impact on the things that matter the most to them.
Projects should address one of the following themes:
• People-led – the people who will benefit from, or be affected by the project need to be meaningfully involved in the development, design and delivery of the activity.
• Strengths-based – projects should make the most of, and build on, the skills and experiences of people and strengths within communities.
• Connected – applicant must have a good understanding of what others are doing locally, that what the applicant group is doing complements and adds to this, and that the applicant groups has working relationships with other relevant groups.
Groups that are starting the application process do not need to worry about a deadline.
The deadline for groups using the old application form is 31 October 2017.
For further information and to apply, visit: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_people_places