WIREDGOV

An Edinburgh project yesterday (25 JUNE) celebrates an award of over £400,000 from Big Lottery Fund Scotland’s Investing in Communities programme. 

Announcing the funding, Big Lottery Fund, Scotland Chair, Maureen McGinn, said: “Today we are awarding a total of £4,520,102 to 10 projects across the country. All these groups reflect the main aim of our Investing in Communities programme which is to bring real and lasting improvements to communities and the lives of those most in need. This includes a specific investment in Crisis UK, the national charity for single homeless people, which will support their initiative to help young homeless people in Edinburgh find employment and build positive futures.”

Crisis UK have been awarded a grant of £407,858 which will enable them to provide engagement and pre-employment support to single homeless people in Edinburgh, aged 20 years and over, who are long term unemployed.

Ann Landels, Director of Crisis Skylight Edinburgh, said: “Finding the right job provides self-respect and financial stability. It can help people move towards independence and away from homelessness. We’re delighted to be awarded this funding, which will help hundreds more local homeless people take those steps.

“Through our range of classes, workshops, volunteering opportunities and job coaching services, this grant will give our clients not only the skills, but also the confidence and motivation, to get back on their feet.”

Big Lottery Fund Press Office: 0141 242 1415
Website: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk
Twitter: @BIGScotland #biglf 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BigLotteryFundScotland

Notes to editors

• The Big Lottery Fund is responsible for giving out 40% of the money raised for good causes by the National Lottery.
• The Fund is committed to bringing real improvements to communities and the lives of people most in need and has been rolling out grants to health, education, environment and charitable causes across the UK. Since its inception in 2004 it has awarded close to £6bn.
• In the year ending 31 March 2013, 28% of total National Lottery revenue was returned to the Good Causes. Since the National Lottery began in 1994, £31 billion has been raised and more than 400,000 grants awarded.
• The Scotland Committee makes Big Lottery Fund decisions on Scottish projects.  As well as taking devolved decisions on Lottery spending, the Committee, led by Chair, Maureen McGinn, has and will continue to play a strategic role in the future direction of the Fund in Scotland.
• The Big Lottery Fund is investing in Scotland’s communities through its Investing in Communities portfolio, as well as a number of small grants schemes.