Why has the programme been suspended?

Local Food has experienced unprecedented demand for first stage applications since its launch in March 2008 and it is clear that the programme has been extremely successful in raising interest within community groups of the environmental, health and social benefits of Local Food.

This level of demand has led to the programme receiving enough First Stage Applications to utilise the £50 million grant funding available.

We believe that by acting quickly and proactively we will be able to give many organisations the full knowledge of the high levels of interest and strong competition for funding before deciding to invest time and effort in submitting applications.

When will the programme be suspended?

From 21 May 2009 applicants will have a period of three months to submit their First Stage Applications. The deadline for First Stage Applications will be 21 August 2009, 5pm.

Will the programme reopen?

Due to the high number of current applications received and those we expect to receive over the notice period, we anticipate being able to present to the selection panels sufficient high quality applications to enable effective use of the available funds.

However, if the applications received by the suspension deadline do not fully utilise the available grant funds, and we reopen the programme, information will be made available on our website and through our newsletter.

To sign up to our newsletter please register your details at www.localfoodgrants.org.

Has all of the funding been spent?

To date we have approved 115 projects to the value of £13 million.

Once the notice period has lapsed we will have enough applications to utilise the £50 million grant funding.

Where has the money been spent so far?

For a full list of live and active projects we have funded please visit our project pages. This list will be updated regularly.

Can I re-submit my First Stage Application during the three month notice period?

Yes. Provided that your resubmitted application reaches us before the final deadline.

Why was this information not made public much earlier?

We have been monitoring the levels of demand for first stage applications and those invited to full application for some time but the demand has not decreased or dropped. Therefore, with input and guidance from the Local Food Steering Group we have taken the very difficult decision that in order to be open and fair with all potential applicants we need to share this information with you now so you can then make your decision to apply or not based on the current situation.

How long will it take to assess my First Stage Application?

As demand continues and with the expected increase in numbers of applications we will have to assess, we hope to be able to give you a decision about the eligibility of your first stage application within 6 weeks of you submitting.

If I have been invited to full application already but have not yet submitted my full application does this notice affect me?

No this suspension notice only applies to new first stage applications.

Are particular project types, themes, regions under or over represented?

See information on our website. However, whilst there are no ring fenced amounts or allocations we are looking to fund a range of project types, across all English regions addressing all our programme themes.

How quickly should I submit my application if I’m invited to full application stage?

We want groups to submit the best bid they can and address all the assessment criteria. We do not want applicants to rush their bids and then see this reflected in their reasons for rejection if particular issues had not been addressed. If your project is rejected you will not be able to resubmit unless the programme reopens to new first stage applications. So take your time, keep in touch with your Grants Officer as well as the Local Food Advisers.

Can I still apply for the full main grant of £300k?

Yes, but with limited funding available and with competition likely to be very strong only very exceptional projects requesting this amount are likely to be funded.

If I’m invited to full application stage do I need to submit it straight away?

No. We recognise that preparing a full application can take a considerable amount of time and effort. As you will not be able to resubmit a bid, should it be rejected at panel stage, until or if the programme reopens, then you should ensure you give the bid the appropriate consideration and demonstrate how your project addresses all the assessment criteria.

If I take my time and prepare the best bid that I can, will this still be presented to a selection panel?

Yes – all eligible applications submitted will be put forward to panel. We will know the final total amount of requested grants from those invited to full application in October 2009. We will use this information to monitor where and across which type, region and theme groups are applying to ensure that we fund a good national coverage.

Can my Local Food grant request increase from the amount at first stage application to that submitted at full stage?

Yes, but if there is a considerable increase then it’s likely that this will be seen as a change to the proposed project from that submitted at first stage and this would be rejected. Whilst we don’t ask for a detailed budget at first stage we do expect that you will have thought of all your budget items and costed these in.

Is there additional criteria now?

No. The programme criteria is set out in the Guidance Notes for small and main grants. Bringing in new criteria now would be unfair to all applicants past and present - there is not any new criteria.

Is it a competitive programme now?

Competition for funding has always been part of the programme. We are looking to support quality projects that can demonstrate they meet our overall aim through our themes. We are also looking to support the range of project types across all regions of England. Where one type, theme or region is over or under represented competition will be stronger but we are looking to support a good range across all types, themes and regions.

What other funding programmes are available?

For further information on funding please visit www.biglotteryfund.org.uk.

Who can I contact for further information?

You can call the Changing Spaces Advice Line on 0845 3 671 671 or emaillocalfoodapps@rswt.org.