Applicant help area
Here you can find links to factsheets, frequently asked questions, presentations and other documents that should help you understand what steps you need to take to improve the quality of your application.
Using our experience and knowledge of what makes a successful application, we identified key information that applicants regularly ask for and we’ve developed support tools that can address specific issues.
You can also find out the latest news by signing up to our monthly e-bulletin which is designed to keep you up-to-date with the Big Lottery Fund in Scotland. See the latest edition
We will also be running regular surveys to find out what you think about the way we do things! We will continue to develop this area so we welcome feedback or suggestions on what you would like to see. Send your comments by emailing us at enquiries.Scotland@biglotteryfund.org.uk
More information
Sustainability – a short guide Like many other funders we provide grants for fixed term periods, and our priorities might change. If you are awarded funding there is no guarantee that we will be able to fun...
- 80KB- Full cost recovery - a short guide Full cost recovery is applicable to groups applying to the Young Peoples Fund and Investing In Communities. - 77KB
- Six steps to a good application You have developed an idea for funding and even found the funding programmes to apply for. Now all that is left is to figure out what the funder wants from you. While some fun...
- 83KB - Completing your outline proposal form Before we explain how to fill in your outline proposal form (OPF), it is useful to understand its purpose. The OPF is a short form that we use to find out about your project, ...
- 47KB - Outcomes factsheet BIG and many other funders use an outcomes based approach to their funding. This means that we are more interested in the difference a project will make rather than the choice...
- 57KB - What is a business plan? A business plan puts down on paper what your organisation will do to turn its vision into reality. It summarises the activities, systems, skills and resources needed to achiev...
- 262KB - Evidencing the need for your project When you make an application, it's important that you can show that there is a need for your project. This short factsheet contains advice on the kind of evidence that can sup...
- 77KB - Funding for publicly owned assets BIGs Growing Community Assets (GCA) funding supports communities across Scotland in their aspirations to own and redevelop local assets, such as land and buildings. - 21KB
Workshop presentations
- How to complete your Investing in Communities application form
How to make a good application This document will tell you how to make a good application to the Big Lottery Fund. - 1,494KB- Outcomes This document aims to explain our outcomes approach and provide help with writing your own outcomes. - 508KB