Big-thinking

The BIG Lottery commissioned some research into the public’s perceptions of their work over the summer. The findings of this research have been instrumental in leading to the current consultation which will influence their strategic framework from 2009 onwards.

The main areas that BIG are considering include:

Q1. Themes

BIG are considering introducing two new themes for their funding programmes – transition and isolation.

Q2. Need

They are also considering whether their funding should have a greater focus on benefiting those most in need.

Q3. Partnerships

BIG are looking at the question of partnerships and suggesting that partnership working should be more prominent. They are also keen to engage more with the private sector.

Q4. Voluntary Sector Guarantee

The commitment to giving 60-70 percent of funding to the sector expires in 2012. BIG are looking for feedback on whether this should be extended.

Q5. Support

BIG are looking at the types of support they offer to applicants.

Q6. Length of projects

Should BIG offer longer periods of funding, but for fewer projects?

Q7. Risk

Should BIG look to fund more innovative and hence riskier projects?

Q8. UK Level

They also want to know whether there are other areas where they should operate at a national level.

Q9. Public Involvement

BIG are asking for ways of increasing public involvement, including decision-making panels, public voting, etc.

Q10. Other sources of funding

BIG are keen to find other sources of funding that they can manage. See www.big-thinking.org.uk for more information

Country specific questions

There are also country specific questions. For England these include:

1. a proposal to develop tighter outcomes
2. more emphasis on themes
3. a move to develop a mixture of open funding, community funding and targeted funding