Funding Application Advice Session

BBC Children in Need Positively changing the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in the UK

Appeal started in 1927 on BBC Radio First Telethon raised over £1 million 2000 – Total amount raised = £100 million 2008 Appeal total = £37 million Year 2007/ applications requesting £302.8million About BBC Children in Need

WHO Do We Fund? Not for profit organisations (i.e. voluntary organisations registered charities or self-help groups) The organisation must have: – A constitution or governing document – A management committee – A bank account with two unrelated cheque signatories – Annual accounts – A written child protection policy

WHAT Do We Fund? Projects that make a positive difference to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in the UK. The children must be: -Aged 18 years and under -Living in the UK -‘IN NEED’ - illness/ distress/ neglect/ abuse - any kind of disability - behaviour or psychological difficulties - living in poverty or situations of deprivation

We Do Not Fund Retrospective funding The relief of statutory responsibility Medical research or pregnancy advice Projects unable to start in the next 12 months Distribution to other organisations The promotion of any religion

Changes for 2009/2010 After consultation with applicants we have made the following changes: Increase from 3 to 4 deadline dates per year Quicker decisions Earlier feedback for some unsuccessful applicants Introduction of a Small Grants Programme On-line applications only NO significant changes to our criteria

Small Grants Programme Our experience shows that significant and valuable work can be achieved with small grants-particularly where they encourage voluntary effort or support activities that have a local impact Apply for up to £10k per year Simpler application form Proportionate assessment Same four deadlines and decision dates Apply on-line

The Application Process There are 4 deadlines each year The deadlines for 2010 are: January 15 April 15 July 15 and October 15 All the information you need to apply including application forms can be found at our website:

What Makes a Good Application? A focus on children or young people Good Planning Making a positive difference

Common Reasons for Failure Ineligibility – e.g. missing information Insufficient evidence of disadvantage Project not sufficiently focused on children The majority of young people are aged 18 and over The organisation has not demonstrated it has the management skills & experience to deal with significant growth Competition -the higher the amount requested the higher the standard expected The organisation has a high level (over 12 months) of free reserves Child Protection Policy/ Procedure is poor or missing

Application Guidance We strongly recommend applicants read our Application Guidance which is full of useful information The guidance includes:  Advice on planning your project  A step by step guide to each question  Help with using the online application form  Frequently Asked Questions

Useful Tips for Applicants –Spend time PLANNING the project –Take care COMPLETING the application form and make sure all additional information is attached –Prepare for the ASSESSMENT - Have all documents ready -Ask for HELP From CVS and other Voluntary Organisations -CONTACT us to discuss your proposed project Remember! A good quality application stands out from the crowd

Finally … Contacts: General Helpline Regional Office (Newcastle )