To be eligible to apply for the Community Assets programme, applications had to be made by either the local authority that owned the asset to be transferred, or a third sector organisation that the asset would be transferred to. In each case the application had to be endorsed by the other partner, and supported by the wider community. The transfer could be in the form of a registered freehold or a registered and assignable lease of at least 20 years without a break.
Applications had to address the three programme outcomes to be considered for funding:
1. Local third sector organisations have greater security and independence, and are better able to meet the needs of the communities they serve.
2. Communities have more access to better quality facilities that respond to their needs.
3. There is more effective partnership working between local authorities and the third sector.
Subject to meeting the initial eligibility criteria, projects were then assessed against the two following criteria:
1. The proposed project outcomes meet an identified need and help to achieve the programme outcomes.
2. The organisation can deliver the project well and achieve the proposed outcomes.
On the basis of assessment against these criteria, 38 in-principle grants were awarded in April 2008. A full breakdown of the above criteria and published guidance on the Community Assets programme can be found at:
www.biglotteryfund.org.uk.