The Local Initiative Fund (LIF) offers an opportunity for VCFS organisations across Lancashire to apply for funding in order to help deliver local and Lancashire County Council priorities. LIF grants are made under Section 2 of the Local Government Act 2000, which states that: “Every local authority are to have power to do anything which they consider is likely to achieve any one or more of the following objects:

• the promotion or improvement of the economic well-being of their area,
• the promotion or improvement of the social well-being of their area, and
• the promotion or improvement of the environmental well-being of their area”

What it can fund?
The LIF is available to support project costs and one off activity costs. Perhaps your organisation has a new project or initiative that needs assistance with start up costs or you require assistance with the cost of purchasing equipment. The LIF is based on three specific priority areas; if your project or activity will help us to meet our priorities in one of these areas then we may be able to help. The LIF is unable to fund the core costs of an organisation.

Who can apply?
If you are a local Third Sector organisation in Lancashire, working with local people then the LIF could be for you. As a group you will need to:

• have a constitution, set of rules, or articles of association in place;
• have a group bank account (all payments are made by electronic transfer);
• be a 'not for profit' organisation.

How much funding is available?
The total amount of funding in the LIF budget for 2012/13 is just over £205,000. Applications should be for funding between a minimum of £1,000 and a maximum of £5,000.

For more details about LIF and information about how to apply for funding, please visit the Local Initiative Fund pages of Lancashire County Council's website.