The Big Lottery Fund distributes 40% of National Lottery good causes funding.  The groups we fund are transforming communities and making a difference to people’s lives. To help applicants in Northern Ireland, we are sharing advice from our staff and successful projects.

Here is a roundup of ten top tips from our #BIGNIFunding campaign….

#1 You don’t need to have your pitch ready before you get in touch with us about your idea

 

#2 If you are applying to the Awards for All Northern Ireland programme, remember to attach a recent copy of a bank statement for the account the grant will be paid into.

 

#3 You don’t need to pay someone to fill in your form.  Contact us if you need help!

 

#4 Talk to other groups in your area and see if you can work together to have the greatest impact.

 

#5 You don’t need to use buzzwords to make your application sound ‘better’.  Answer the questions in your own words.

 

#6 Aileen from Off the Streets gives you her advice on putting young people in the lead.

 

#7 This will make you rethink your approach to planning a project – see our people in the lead film.

 

#8 Check out our very quick video guide about the application process for Awards for All.

 

#9 Hear from one of our successful projects about how to approach your #funding application.

 

#10 Read the guidance carefully. Contact us if you need advice.

 

….. and we have more great tips to come, so keep following our #BIGNIFunding campaign on facebook and twitter

To find out more about our funding, visit our website www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/funding

You can contact the Big Lottery Fund advice team in Northern Ireland by emailing enquiries.ni@biglotteryfund.org.uk or telephone 028 90551455 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).