Scotland: National Rural Network
Connecting Rural Scotland - Promoting Rural Growth

Name of Fund: Investing in Communities 

Brief description of fund

Investing in Communities is a Big Lottery fund which aims to help bring about lasting social change and to bring real improvements to communities and lives of people most in need. The programme re-launched on 30th June 2010.

There are three investment areas which make up Investing in Communities:

• Growing Community Assets aims to help communities have more control and influence over their own future through ownership of assets
• Life Transitions aims to support projects that help people at key times of change, helping them to make their lives better for the future

• Supporting 21st Century Life aims to support projects that build stronger families and stronger communities

What activities does it fund?

 Growing Community Assets

Projects applying to GCA must aim to achieve all of these four outcomes:

• Communities work together to own and develop local assets
• Communities are sustainable and improve their economic, environmental and social future through the ownership and development of local assets
• Communities develop skills and knowledge through the ownership and development of local assets
• Communities overcome disadvantage and inequality through the ownership and development of local assets

Life Transitions

Projects may focus on offering supported employment and creating new jobs, encouraging mentoring, befriending and peer support, building financial literacy, financial capability and financial inclusion, or developing basic and softer skills such as communication skills.

Supporting 21st Century Life

Will fund projects that bring people together, create understanding, help people think about their future and reduce isolation.

The Big Lottery expect to fund a wide range of activities and services such as parenting and family support as well as advice and tailored support to help people access services. Projects can encourage mentoring, befriending and peer support. They can also support activities, such as play, volunteering and outdoor experiences.

Examples of projects that have received funding

The previous Investing in Communities programme funded a wide range of projects including the Cowal Elderly Befriending Scheme, the Neilston Development Trust and the Auchencairn Initiative's Enterprise Centre which includes a post office and shop.

The Big Lottery have a number of video case studies, including short films on the projects listed above, to inspire you. You can watch them on the Investing in Communities section of their website.

How much funding is available to applicants?

The minimum grant is £10,000. The maximum grant is £1 million. 

Who can apply?

They can fund a wide range of organisations including voluntary and community organisations, local authorities and community councils, social enterprises and private companies (provided grants do not contribute to the profits they distribute). They cannot fund individuals or sole traders.

Please note there are additional requirements for those applying for Growing Community Assets.

Is there a deadline?

The closing date for applications is 30th June 2015. 

Where can I find out more?

The Big Lottery Fund website has an excellent section on Investing in Communities, with easy to read guidance, an application walkthrough and videos on project case studies. 

Who do I contact?

• Information team, Big Lottery Fund, 1 Atlantic Quay, 1 Robertson Street, Glasgow, G2 8JB
• Phone: 0300 123 7110
• Fax: 0141 242 1401
• Textphone: 0141 242 1500
• Email: enquiries.scotland@biglotteryfund.org.uk