The Big Lottery Fund, a merger of the Community Fund and the New Opportunities Fund, was launched at the beginning of this month. Fay Schopen sets out how to grasp the opportunity to make your funding application a runaway success.

1 Have your say. The reincarnation of the Community Fund and the New Opportunities Fund means a public consultation on the Big Lottery Fund's priorities is under way. Getting in now (details at www.biglotteryfund.

org.uk/consultation) and encouraging your colleagues to do the same will ensure your voice is heard, and will give you confidence to apply for funding when the time comes.

2 Size doesn't matter. It may be called the Big Lottery Fund, but much of its ready cash will be available for smaller projects. Don't fall into the trap of thinking that because your scheme is small it won't get funded.

But this doesn't mean you can't reach for the sky - larger grants of 1m for national and innovative projects are available.

3 Build in sustainability. Your application is more likely to be successful if you can demonstrate how it will continue once Lottery funding has ended.

This is especially important for projects that require a hefty capital investment, such as childcare schemes. Don't get dazzled by Lottery money, be realistic about where future funding may come from.

4 Do your research and make sure you meet the grant criteria. Applicants to the Young People's Fund, which will be administered by the Big Lottery Fund, will need to demonstrate the involvement of young people in the conception, planning, delivery and evaluation of the proposed project.

And be focused: there are many funding streams, all with different application criteria. Visit www.nof.org,uk and www.community-fund.org.uk for details.

5 Get some support. Applying for funds can be daunting, especially if you're doing it single-handedly. A dedicated helpline (0845 410 20 30) has been set up, so use it. Look on the NOF and Community Fund web sites for examples and help. Ask colleagues who have applied for funding before for tips and advice. And get someone to go through your application.

A second pair of eyes can be invaluable.

6 Involve young people. As well as being consulted, young people can apply for individual or group grants from the Young People's Fund. Applying for Lottery funding doesn't sound like the kind of thing most youngsters would jump at the chance of doing, but it's up to you to get them involved. Show them good examples of Lottery-funded projects - parks, youth clubs and summer activities - to help them see the benefits of applying for funding.

7 If at first you don't succeed try (and try) again. If your application gets turned down, you'll usually get told why, but don't be afraid to ask for more feedback. Applying for funding may be time-consuming and bureaucratic, but it's a skill like anything else: the more you do it, the better you'll get at it.