Before You Apply
Has the Audit/Accountability Process of the Previous Grant Been Completed?
Applications from an organisation with outstanding Audit/Accountabilities from a previous TLF grant will not be put forward for consideration by the NPC. Please email [email protected] to check if unsure. Grants Advisors work independently of the Audit Team.
Is There a TLF Gaming Venue in Your Area? Is Your Organisation Within 5kms of a TLF Gaming Venue?
TLF will generally only distribute funding to areas where TLF has a Gaming Venue. These areas are typically defined by Territorial Local Authority (TLA) boundaries or in some cases the local area or district in which the venue is located.
The general principle applied by TLF’s NPC is that organisations should be located within a 5km radius of a venue. However, this is not always a hard and fast rule, as for example, some organisations may be located rurally and there are no other gaming trusts in the TLA. Organisations should always demonstrate a benefit to the community in the areas where TLF has a gaming venue. The NPC will apply its discretion.
Find our venues by clicking here . You could also check the Department of Internal Affairs for a list of other Community Gaming Trusts that have venues in your area. The DIA website can be difficult to navigate. Please see here for some basic instructions.
Has Your Organisation Been Funded in the Past 12 Months?
Funds are distributed to successful applicants once every 12 months – the once in 12-month rule.
The once in 12-month rule applies to successful grant applications only and is calculated from the date of confirmation of a grant. To avoid your application being declined, please ensure that you know what this date is. If employing a professional fundraiser, ensure that they too have this information.
If an application is declined, an organisation can submit a further application. But get in touch with a Grants Advisor (0800 802 908) prior to submitting another application to ensure the best chance of success.
When Do You Need the Funding?
Planning is key to a successful application. TLF receives and processes applications all year round. There are no close off dates.
The NPC meets monthly (except for January). Due to the fluctuations in the number of grant applications received in any given month, we advise applicants to allow AT LEAST 8 – 10 WEEKS for an application to be considered and a decision to be made. This timeframe is based on the receipt of a complete application and may be extended should we need to request additional documentation or clarification. This timeframe is particularly important when applying for event related expenses.
A refund will be required if you have had to spend money on what is being applied for prior to receiving confirmation of grants approval. TLF cannot under any circumstances approve retrospective funding.
Payment of funds approved will generally be made by direct credit into the nominated bank account within 7 days of grant confirmation.
To help with your planning – please note the dates that the NPC will be meeting.
Use of Professional Fundraisers
While we recognise that applying for funding can be time consuming, particularly for volunteer led organisations, The Lion Foundation’s preference is to work directly with the organisations we fund. This enables meaningful engagement and a clearer understanding of an organisation’s needs and impact.
The use of professional fundraisers may influence the Board’s decision when assessing funding applications. Any queries regarding this approach may be directed to the Chief Executive, Tony Goldfinch.
Are You Registered – Online Grants Portal?
TLF is no longer accepting hard copy applications. All applications are submitted via the online portal developed and maintained by COMS Systems Limited.
New to COMS? When applying to the new system, either make an account for yourself (if you have not previously applied via the COMS system) or sign in (if you have previously registered with the COMS system).
Ensure that the contacts for the organisation have profiles set up in the system. Please do not use generic organisation emails. You will be asked to withdraw the application and start again should you not follow this instruction.