At Stage 1, it was noted that financial and other plans might change, but in the Stage 2 guidance, it outlines a risk that if changes are considered significant, applications might be deemed ineligible. Can clearer guidance be provided on this?

This is covered on page 10 of the Stage 2 supplementary guidance. The 2-stage application process asks applicants to address our criteria in Stage 1, providing narrative responses which outline their planned commitments if supported through the fund. Then if the organisation progresses to Stage 2, we ask applicants to follow up their Stage 1 commitments with further evidence in the shape of their business plan, with more detailed financial information and programme plan.

If an applicant when submitting their Stage 2 application submits a proposal which is significantly different from the one they submitted during Stage 1, then we reserve the right to consider if their application has changed to such an extent that their Stage 1 submission and assessment is no longer valid. We may take the view that significant changes may alter the assessment outcome from Stage 1 and could duly make their Stage 2 application ineligible.