The Big Lottery Fund

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The Big Lottery Fund

The Big Lottery Fund is the biggest community funder in the UK. They are responsible for giving out 40% of the money raised by the National Lottery and fund 13,000 projects every year. Most of their grants are small ? £10,000 or less ? but they transform communities and change millions of lives every year. Since June 2004 they have awarded over £9 billion to projects that make a difference to people and communities in need, from early years intervention to supporting older people facing isolation.

Since the National Lottery began in 1994, £33 billion has been raised and more than 450,000 grants awarded.

Jon Cruddas MP for Dagenham & Rainham commented: "The Big Lottery Fund have supported lots of local community projects across the constituency, this is a fantastic resource for charities and community groups."

Do you need funding for your community project?

Are you thinking of starting up a local project? Do you already run an established service in the community? If this is the case you may need more information on funding opportunities to support your work.

The Big Lottery Fund is the biggest community funder in the UK. Every year they fund 13,000 projects, using money raised by National Lottery players. Most of their grants are small ? £10,000 or less ? but they transform communities and change millions of lives every year.

Funding available

Local community groups and registered charities in England can apply for the following grants:

  • Awards for All gives groups a way to get small Lottery grants of between £300 and £10,000. It funds a wide range of community projects aimed at developing skills, improving health, revitalising the local environment and enabling people to become more active citizens. In short, projects that address the issues, needs and aspirations of local communities and people.
  • Reaching Communities funding is for projects that help people and communities most in need. Grants are available from £10,000, upwards and funding can last for up to 5 years. These grants can fund salaries, running costs, a contribution towards core costs and equipment. They can also fund up to £100,000 for land, buildings or refurbishment capital costs.

Advice on applying

Groups considering applying for funding are advised to contact the Big Advice line to discuss their project idea on 0345 4 10 20 30. Additional guidance on strengthening your funding application is available here and you can register your interest to attend a live online funding workshop delivered by Funding Officers.

You can also find out more about other sources of Lottery Good Cause funding, including grants for arts, heritage and sports projects here.