The initiative is the result of research conducted by the Community Fund’s Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Project, which found that a higher than average number of small BME groups supported by Community Fund were failing to complete projects successfully due to a lack of resources and experience.

The two consortiums to take part in the Grant Holder Support Programme are led by Black Training and Enterprise Group and Community Action Network, which are to receive £258,462 and £242,332 respectively. They will continue the work of the BME project by helping Big Lottery grant holders with areas of difficulty such as human resource management and financial planning.

Debbie Pippard, London Regional Manager (Voluntary and Community Sector Funding Programmes) at Big Lottery Fund, said: “Many groups find it difficult to plan for the future and tap into new sources of income. The training and information provided will give groups the knowledge and confidence to develop new income sources, giving them greater stability and enabling them to continue their valuable work."