The implementation of a new funding management system at the Big Lottery Fund is causing delays in getting back to applicants at 'all stages and in all programmes' - including the programmes Awards for All and Reaching Communities.
Advice line staff recommend that new applicants allow extra time for their applications to be assessed. At the moment, for example, rather than the usual six weeks to get a decision on an Awards for All application, it could take 12 weeks.
The advice is to apply as early as possible, and to consider what action to take if there is a delay in getting a decision. Could the start of the project be postponed, for example?
It is not only new applicants that are being affected. Delays are also affecting groups that have already applied. They are being advised that it will take longer than usual to get a decision. If the application is successful, it could also take longer than usual to be given approval and start the project.
Any questions should be addressed to the Big Lottery Fund Advice Line on 0845 4 10 20 30.
Source: Big Lottery Fund, 29/11/2013
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