Voluntary Action Lewisham

The People's Millions has opened for 2010 applications. People's Millions offers groups the opportunity to win up to £50,000 to improve their local areas.

People's Millions uses a participatory budgeting style approach. The best applications from each television area will be shortlisted and applicants offered free training on how to present their applications. They will then have the chance to present their ideas on the People's Millions website and make a short film. These films will be shown on ITV during November 2010.

The public will then get the opportunity to vote on which groups get funding. Five organisations in each area are expected to be funded.

Criteria

Applications can be made by Voluntary and Community Groups, Schools, Local Authorities and Health Bodies.

Voluntary and Community Groups can include a contributions towards overheads.

Ineligible items include: existing work, retrospective costs, new buildings, and some other items and activities (see website)

Applicants can request between £20,000 and £50,000, but the amount requested muct be at least half of the total cost of the project.

For a full see of criteria see the People's Millions website

Application Procedure

To apply download an application form from the People's Millions website

The Judging panel will take into account:

The difference your project will make

• how well it gets people involved
• whether it helps those most in need
• whether it’s original and imaginative
• whether it creates a lasting impact
• the different types of activity involved
• where each entry is.

And, how well you’ll run your project

• how feasible your project is
• the risks involved with doing it
• if it’s good value for money
• whether it will keep going after the grant ends.

Deadline

Applications must be received by noon, 14 May 2010. Shortlisted applicants will be notified by 20 August 2010 and will then need to submit a project plan by 10 September 2010.

Several lottery programmes have recently announced that they either have closed the programme to new applicants or that they have introduced deadlines.

Details are:

Several lottery programmes have recently announced that they either have closed the programme to new applicants or that they have introduced deadlines.

Details are:

The period for reclaiming gift aid is to be cut from 6 years to 4 years according to an article in Third Sector.