In this issue:
Funding programmes open to your constituents
You can use our Funding finder to search for funding programmes that are available for your constituents, while our grants search will allow you to find projects that have been funded in your constituency.
See a list of funding programmes open to your constituents
BIG Lottery funding in London
In the last financial year (2011-12), BIG made nearly 1,400 grants to organisations in London, totalling over £47.4m.
A vast majority of these awards – over 1,200 – were made under our Awards for All programme, which provides up to £10,000 for projects that improve communities, and the lives of people within them.
We also made grants of more than £5m to London organisations through our strategic Youth in Focus programme, supporting vulnerable young people through difficult changes in their lives.
Going digital in Dalston
The Turkish Cypriot Cultural Association is based in Hackney and is a hub for the local community to come and learn new skills and meet new friends.
Run entirely by volunteers, the group offer a range of classes, trips and activities to prevent isolation and improve life for members of all ages.
The group were recently awarded a grant of £10,000 from BIG’s Awards for All scheme to run IT and digital photography classes for older people who are lacking in confidence and struggling to get to grips with modern technology.
Their lively classes offer older people a chance to learn IT skills and start using social media tools such as Facebook, to keep in touch with family and friends. The classes have been a great success and the London team dropped by to speak to some of the silver surfers about the benefits this type of project brings.
Listen to the podcast here – Link is http://soundcloud.com/biglotteryfund/digital-inclusion
Lottery champion lights up Olympics
Michelle Ball is a community champion in her local area of Lee in Lewisham. Her work to transform local Northbrook Park from a rundown area littered with dog mess and needles to abeautiful play area for children and families has made her a bit of a celebrity.
Now her efforts have been recognised by the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay team who have selected Michelle to carry the flame this summer.
It all started when Michelle’s 8 year old son Ryan was so fed up with the poor state of the local play park that he wrote to the Mayor asking him to do something about the mess. Despite a disappointing reply, Michelle and Ryan didn’t give up and started to raise the funds themselves.
The plucky pair struck lucky when their application to BIG’s People’s Millions programme made it through to the televised finals on ITV London Tonight. Their park project went head to head in a public vote and won £50,000.
Work started to put in new play equipment and make the park safe and fun for local children including those with disabilities. It hasn’t been an easy journey as the fundraising for the park maintenance and future plans continue and Michelle juggles this with running her own business and being mum to Ryan and his brother.
So it’s Michelle’s turn to shine in the spotlight of the Olympic torch and her family and friends will all be out on the streets to cheer on their champion.
Michelle says, “I was overjoyed to hear that I would be carrying the Olympic flame and so pleased that I was chosen. I really didn’t think I would be picked over all the people that have done such fantastic things for their community. It will be a once in a lifetime experience for me and I cannot wait to share this with my children as it will be something they will remember for years to come. I am so excited to be part of it all.”
How can we help you?
The regional team can arrange bespoke events for you and your constituents, from funding advice surgeries to constituency tours of lottery funded projects.
Also, every month we email all MPs with the details of awards that have been made in their constituencies.
To arrange a constituency tour or to find out how we can help support your constituents please contact us.
Further information
Contact: Alison Rowe, Senior Head of London Region
Telephone: 020 784 26105
Email: alison.rowe@biglotteryfund.org.uk