What makes a good application

Glenn Austin28 June 2013

Mission statement:

‘Bringing improvements to communities and

the lives of people most in need’

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.

Make sure that your application links together

IssueNeedBeneficiariesActivitiesBudgetOutcome

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: enquiries@biglotteryfund.org.uk