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So what is the 'fresh thinking' from Big Lottery Fund on future work

The Big Lottery Fund is planning more work on (1) social investment (2) administering non-lottery funds and (3) working more closey with the private sector. Its strategic direction is revealed in the recently published "Fresh Thinking" document.

As an update on its "Big Thinking" strategic plan published in 2009, the Big Lottery Fund has some fresh thoughts to share on the future direction of its funding. Summarised here is the three main areas of fresh thinking, but do read the full document for the background and further information.

"Fresh thinking: The Next Chapter" (April 2012) outlines how they are adapting to these changes and offers a vision of what you can expect from them as a funder up until 2015.

(1) Supporting the development of social investment

"BIG is keen to explore how social investment can make a difference for communities and those most in need. We are already learning from pilot activity we have supported in England, such as the Peterborough Social Impact Bond. We will consider further opportunities to support the growing social investment market, where we think this could help organisations better serve their communities and beneficiaries.

More widely, BIG will continue to help organisations adapt to the changing funding environment. Whether they want to measure impact more effectively, bid for contracts or work with others, we will do what we can to help organisations plan for a sustainable future."

(2) Delivering outcomes with others

"We are now able to deliver funding programmes for other organisations. This is separate from our Lottery distribution role and we deliver this under the name of the Big Fund. We can work with all types of organisations such as government departments, trusts, foundations and the private sector. We aim to build on this aspect of our work, developing joint programmes where possible and seeking more collaborative opportunities under the Big Fund banner."

(3) Increasing engagement with the private sector

"Our close links with the VCS and the public bodies that work with them have been essential in delivering successful outcomes and helping those in need, especially at a very local level.

In order to build on the knowledge and expertise we have gained from these relationships we now aim to increase our engagement with the private sector.

We will support VCS bodies to build stronger relationships with both local and national companies to share know-how, tools and techniques in order to deliver positive social outcomes for those most in need.

We will explore opportunities for joint working both locally and nationally that support the long-term sustainability of the VCS. For example working in partnership with the private sector in order to develop more innovative programmes that meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve."

www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/index/about-uk/fresh_thinking.htm

The future of Peace Funding - Round Table Discussions
 
NICVA would like to invite you to participate in a round table discussion on Shaping the Peace Programme and Role of the voluntary and community sector.

These events seek to gather the views of the sector on previous peace funding programmes as well as their views on any possible funding programmes.

Starting on 9 May in Derry and including events in Enniskillen, Cookstown, Portadown and Belfast the programme will pay particular attention to the people and groups who have not experienced the peace dividend. It is hoped that through the discussion, the challenges for building peace in Northern Ireland will be highlighted whilst identifying examples of successes and good practice.

If you have experience of previous peace funding programmes, come along and have your views heard. To register for any of these events, contact cathy.breslin@nicva.org

NICVA is delighted that Tony Macaulay will be participating to set the context of Peace in Northern Ireland.

Events will take place:

* Derry - 9 May 2012 - 10am - 12.30pm - Building 83, Ilex Centre, Ebrington Site, Derry (off Limavady Road)
* Enniskillen - 16 May 2012 - 10am - 12.30pm - Fermanagh House, Broadmeadow Place, Enniskillen, BT74 7HR
* Cookstown - 24 May 2012 - 10am - 12.30pm - Rural Community Network, 38a Oldtown Street, Cookstown, BT80 8EF
* Portadown - 12 June 2012 - 10am - 12.30pm - Millennium Court Arts Centre, William Street, Portadown, BT62 3NX
* Belfast - 3 July 2012 - 10am - 12.30pm - NICVA, 61 Duncairn Gardens, Belfast, BT15 2GB

These events are part of NICVA’s European Union PEACE III funded Vital Links project.

 DSD ‘Sport in the Community’

The Department for Social Development has awarded the IFA and Ulster GAA funding to support a new and innovative joint project ‘Sport in the Community.’

This exciting flagship project supports the DSD Volunteering Strategy for Northern Ireland and will provide over £350,000 during the three year partnership to support community and volunteer development.

The partnership supports a range of joint development programmes which will include shared learning workshops, club development programmes, community outreach initiatives, neighbourhood renewal objectives and volunteer training and development. An annual Open Forum will debate operational issues and topics emerging from the Workshops, while an annual Community Relations event will add further value to the community outreach and diversity work undertaken by the organisations.

Ulster GAA and IFA are delighted to be working in partnership on a project of this scale and the future prospects and opportunities that will come over the next three years.

Comic Relief ‘Beyond Football’

Comic Relief’s Sport for Change programme has awarded the IFA’s Community Relations department just under £100,000 to support two of its grassroots projects Belfast Street League and Women’s World United. The aims of this project are to improve the lives of those excluded from society and to use football as a hook to deliver social change.

‘Beyond Football’ includes a comprehensive and all-inclusive activities schedule over a three year period for both groups involved. Whilst engagement with the sport of football itself is an important and significant part of the programme of activities, football alone will not deliver the change we hope to achieve over the three years and so training, development and strategy forms a major part of the programme.

The project will include accredited training, ‘focus month’ training in community relations, drugs and alcohol awareness, mental and physical health, employment, coach education, leadership and mentoring, and anti-racism training. The programme of activities will also include joint group work, including joint specialist coaching sessions, coach education qualifications, annual red nose tournament, and residentials to bring the groups together to help develop their networking skills and share learning.