Moneywise - Reaching Communities

Regeneration & Renewal, 5 September 2008

How much is it worth? Budgets for the Reaching Communities programme are set annually. For year one (2006/07) and year two (2007/08), there was an annual budget of £100 million. For year three (2008/09), £60 million is available. Grants range from £10,000 up to £500,000, with a total project limit of £750,000. Capital grants can also be awarded up to £50,000. Applicants are able to apply for up to five years' worth of funding. The programme is scheduled to run until March 2009. There will be a consultation on future funding beyond that date.

What's it for? Projects must contribute to one of four key outcomes: improving people's chances in life, including boosting their access to training and development to improve their life skills; strong communities, with more active citizens working together to tackle their problems; and improved and more accessible rural and urban environments.

Who is eligible? Registered charities, voluntary or community groups, statutory bodies (including schools), charitable or not-for-profit firms or social enterprises. Grants will go to projects that help people and communities deemed most in need. They are expected to include: people living in deprived areas; those in need through age, disability or illness; people from ethnic minority backgrounds; people with multiple or complex problems; and the long-term unemployed.

Who runs it? The Big Lottery Fund.

How to apply - You can download an outline proposal form from www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/reachingcommunities or phone the Big Lottery Fund helpline on 08454 10 20 30.