The UK National Lottery Unveils Largest Funding Boost in Three Decades
The UK National Lottery Community Fund is embarking on an ambitious new chapter, announcing the largest expansion in funding in the past thirty years. The Fund is committed to making a significant difference by supporting community-led projects and fostering bold, transformative change. It strongly believes that social connections and community activities are essential for creating healthier, happier lives and a flourishing society.
Under the new strategy, aptly named “It starts with community,” the National Lottery Community Fund aims to support what matters most to different communities by focusing on areas with the greatest need. This strategy is outlined in the newly released Corporate Plan, which sets ambitious targets for the next three years to enhance the well-being of communities across the UK.
This comprehensive development plan emphasizes innovation, learning, and adaptability. Recognizing the power of partnerships, the Fund prioritizes collaboration with other organizations to achieve its goals. Central to this effort are the people who will shape and deliver these initiatives, ensuring that community voices remain at the forefront.
A core component of the new strategy is tackling inequality and adopting an equity-based approach. As the largest community funder in the UK, the National Lottery Community Fund is committed to investing significantly in areas of greater deprivation. The Fund pledges that more than 50% of all grants will go to communities experiencing the greatest poverty and disadvantage. This targeted approach aims to ensure that those most in need receive the necessary support to improve their quality of life.
In addition to addressing inequality, the Fund is embedding environmental action across all funding efforts. Fifteen per cent of the funding will be dedicated to environmental sustainability, supporting projects that help create a healthier planet. This commitment includes encouraging projects to consider their environmental impact, even if it is not their primary focus.
The National Lottery Community Fund is also making a concerted effort to engage more local communities in the funding process. The goal is for over 80% of local communities to apply for National Lottery funding, ensuring that resources reach every corner of the UK, from Bude to Ballyclare, Brynmawr to Bannockburn. By “local communities,” the Fund refers to grassroots levels, typically with populations of around 7,500, ensuring that support is truly community-centric.
Thanks to the contributions of National Lottery players, the Fund will distribute at least an additional £4 billion by 2030 to support activities that strengthen society and improve lives. This significant financial commitment underscores the National Lottery’s dedication to fostering vibrant, resilient communities.
Recent engagements with local infrastructure organizations and visits to projects like the Family Volunteering Club have highlighted the tangible difference National Lottery funding makes. Initiatives like the Family Volunteering Club introduce volunteering at an early age, helping children develop a strong sense of community connection.
With the launch of this new strategy and Corporate Plan, the National Lottery Community Fund is making clear commitments to transparency and public accountability. The organization is dedicated to delivering on these promises, driven by the knowledge that meaningful change starts with the community.
In conclusion, the UK National Lottery’s largest funding expansion in three decades marks a pivotal moment for community support across the country. By prioritizing equity, environmental sustainability, and grassroots engagement, the Fund aims to build a brighter future for all communities, ensuring that every initiative is guided by the needs and aspirations of the people it serves.
