Big Potential Opens for Applications (England) The Big Lottery Fund has announced that its new £20 million programme to help Voluntary & Community groups and Social Enterprises (VCSEs) access social investment is open for applications. Big Potential has two possible application routes – Breakthrough and Advanced: Breakthrough – Eligible VCSE organisations will be able to access specialist one to one support from the Big Potential programme partners before making an application for grants between £20,000 and £75,000 to undertake more in-depth investment readiness work with one of Big Potential’s approved providers. Advanced – The Advanced route of Big Potential will be available to VCSEs that are clear about how social investment could work for them and can describe a potential deal or interest from investors and need help to close that deal. The Advanced route is also available to organisations that need help securing a contract. Grants of between £50,000 and £150,000 are available. Eligible organisations can include registered charities, social enterprises, companies limited by guarantee with charitable aims, Community Interest Companies, mutuals etc.) Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. http://www.sibgroup.org.uk/ bigpotential/