The Big Lottery Fund launched its 'new look' Investing in Communities programme for Scotland on the 30th June.  Over the next 5 years, BIG will invest around £400 million into Scotland's communities as it strives to tackle need and address inequality.  The new programme has a sharper focus that will enable BIG to work faster and better as it supports good projects, and continues to improve the lives of communites.

The fund will continue to be administered through 3 main investment areas:

• Growing Community Assets - supporting communities to decide what's best for them, and give them the means of regenerating and transforming themselves through investment.
• Life Transitions - supporting people at key times of change, helping to transform the outcomes for the rest of their lives. 
• Supporting 21st Century Life - empowering families most in need to deal with the challenges of modern life, to prevent poverty and to give disadvantaged children a better chance. 

BIG has identified specific priorities and outcomes for each investment area that are sharper and clearer, and reflect an emphasis on creating a real impact.  

The new application process has been split over two stages.  A more detailed application is now required at Stage 1, as opposed to the basic outline proposal that was required in the previous programme. 

BIG has also put together a development support team in order to provide bespoke advice and help to applicants where necessary throughout the application journey.  All potential applicants are encouraged to speak to BIG first before sumbitting a stage one application, in order to chat through their idea and to see if it fits within one of the investment areas above.   

For more information on the Investing in Communities Programme, visit www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/scotland.