Reaching communities: England

Reaching Communities wants to fund projects that help meet BIG’s aim of improving communities and the lives of people most in need.

A community can be people living in a local area or those with similar interests or needs.

You can apply if you’re a voluntary or community organisation, school, local authority, health body, not for profit organisation or social enterprise.

You can ask Reaching Communities for between £10,000 and £500,000 for projects lasting up to five years.

They will fund a range of revenue costs including salaries and up to £50,000 is available for capital costs such as building or refurbishment.

The application process has two stages:

1. There is a short outline proposal form where you tell them about the project you would like funding for, what difference it would make and how you know it is needed.
2. If you are successful at the outline proposal stage, they will ask you for more information about your project and how you will run it.

If you are asking for less than an average of £40,000 for each full year, the full application stage is quicker and they will ask you for less information.

See the guidance notes and application pack.

See details about Reaching Communities on the Big Lottery Fund website.