Resources: Funding focus - Improving Community Buildings

What will it fund? Building and engineering works, as well as fixtures and fittings, and professional and legal fees. It won't fund the lease or freehold of land or buildings, or the purchase of vehicles. Nor will it cover fees that have been incurred before the grant is awarded, such as for planning permission. Grants can, however, cover a proportion of some general overheads such as staff management and office costs. All Big Lottery Fund funding is outcomes-based and projects should result in an increased sense of community ownership and the chance to take an active part in improving the community. They should contribute to one or other of the fund's overall aims of addressing disadvantage, promoting tolerance and social inclusion or contributing to poverty reduction. Northern Irish priorities include building opportunities for cross-community contact and "protecting, restoring and sustaining" the environment.