how to / create centres / finances Many projects start by thinking about funding - but is this the most important thing? Or a good starting point? If you think it's important to start with money, try this exercise: If you had money, enough and to spare, it's likely that someone would be wanting YOU to lend them a tidy amount for a worthy cause, a sure-fire investment opportunity... or a hare-brained scheme. If you were in that happy position - and could afford to be generous - what questions would YOU ask before parting with YOUR money? Try it now. If you take a few moments to jot them down, you will soon come up with something which is pretty close to the framework for a Business Plan. Researching and writing a Business Plan or Project Plan - where funding and finance are only one aspect - is a better way to start. Most funders want to see a business plan - ie an answer to all their questions, and a proof that you have looked into the future as much as is possible. If a funder does not ask for a formal plan, it's highly likely that the funding Application Form will ask the very same questions a Business Plan answers, so it's a good idea to do one anyway! Once you know exactly what you want to do and how you are going to do it, decisions on funding and finance will be easier. You will at the end of the day, of course require some capital funds and resources to keep going. Those may come from a range of sources: Capital funds Private donation of a building or funds by a benefactor or sponsor - eg a local company Lottery Heritage Fund (historically important buildings) Other Lottery programme Government funds: DfEE Learning centres fund; Capital Modernisation Fund (CMF) Local Authorities Local, regional or national grant-giving charities Loan from a bank Funds raised by local people through subscription, shares or donation European sources (eg ERDF) Revenue funds Income from trading or charging for services Private donation by a benefactor New Opportunities Fund of the Lottery Other Lottery programmes Local Authorities - for example as a contract to run a specific programme Local, regional or national grant-giving charities Loan from a bank Funds raised by local people through subscription, shares or donation European sources (eg ESF, to run a specific project) Private donation by a benefactor These pages currently provide both general links and information directly helpful for the DfEE Learning Centres fund and New Opportunities Fund how to / create centres / finances