The Big Lottery have found that community groups are so busy doing their day-to-day work that they have little time or money left for their staff and trustees to learn new skills or focus on long-term goal.
So they have decided to offer extra money to organisations who are applying to their Reaching Communities programme to help them develop their skills, knowledge and confidence.
This money is available for all stage two applicants to Reaching Communities and stage three applicants to Reaching Communities buildings. You can ask for up to 10 per cent of the grant you’re applying for – up to £15,000. Full details will be sent to you when The Big Lottery invite you to apply.
You don’t have to use this money just on staff involved in your Reaching Communities project. The Big Lottery want there to be a lasting benefit to your organisation, so they’d like you to use the money to look at your organisation as a whole. Can you think of areas of your work that could be a whole lot better with some extra support or training?
If you are just starting to plan your project, or you’re filling out a stage one form, you don’t need to worry about this yet. The money will be added to your grant if your stage two application is successful.
If you are completing a stage two application now, find out more by downloading the Building Capabilities guidance notes.
For further information, visit: http://bigblog.org.uk/2014/10/15/extra-money-for-rc-applicants/