The National Lottery Community Fund is a major UK-wide public funder focused on strengthening communities, especially where people face poverty, disadvantage, discrimination, or isolation. It backs practical, community-led projects that build connection and inclusion, alongside larger efforts to tackle structural inequality and support long-term change led by people with lived experience. Its grants range from small local awards to very large strategic investments, with separate programs for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Focus Areas
Community Connection and Local CohesionPoverty and Social InclusionLived-Experience-Led Inequality ReductionOrganisational Capacity BuildingCommunity Climate and Nature ProjectsYouth Mentoring and Violence PreventionMental Health and Suicide Prevention
Giving Approach
Mix of small, accessible local grants and larger strategic grants. Many programs are open application and fund projects for up to 2 years, while bigger funding streams like Solidarity Fund and Reaching Communities support deeper community-led change and can award substantial multi-year grants.
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How to approach this funder
Check the correct nation-specific program first, since eligibility and advice teams differ for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Small grants often have simple open applications, while larger programs may require stronger evidence of community need, lived experience, and long-term impact; applicants should contact the relevant advice team before applying.
Notable grantees:
• Same But Different C.I.C
• Glasgow Community Food Network
• Creggan Country Park
• Reach Every Generation
• Men Matter Scotland
Open Grant Opportunities
Current and upcoming funding from The National Lottery Community Fund that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Open nowRolling / open intakeAward: $20K – $500K
Strengthening Communities
povertydisadvantagediscrimination+5 more
Who can apply: For new applications, organisations must have been operating for at least 2 years. Eligible organisations include unregistered voluntary or community groups, voluntary or community organisations that are registered charities but not companies, not-for-profit companies limited by guarantee, and CICs. Larger organisations with average income over £500,000 cannot apply for less than £200,000. Organisations must have at least 3 unrelated board or committee members.
community cohesionsocial connectionsplace and space improvements+2 more
Who can apply: Open to constituted voluntary or community organisations, constituted groups or clubs, registered charities, CIOs, not-for-profit companies, CICs, schools where the project mainly benefits the wider community, statutory bodies, and community benefit societies. Priority is given to organisations with smaller annual incomes. Applicants must have at least 2 unrelated board or committee members.
Deadline: Apply at least 16 weeks before you need the funding.
National Lottery Awards for All England - Environment
environmentclimatenature+2 more
Who can apply: Open to constituted voluntary or community organisations, constituted groups or clubs, registered charities, CIOs, not-for-profit companies, CICs, schools where the project mainly benefits the wider community, statutory bodies, and community benefit societies. Applicants must have at least two unrelated directors/committee members. Schools and school partnerships must clearly benefit the wider community.
Deadline: Apply at least 16 weeks before you need the funding.
community strengthpoverty alleviationdisadvantage+5 more
Who can apply: Open to organisations working with communities in England, including voluntary and community organisations, charities, CIOs, not-for-profit companies limited by guarantee, CICs, schools, public bodies, community benefit societies, co-operative societies, and partnerships. Unincorporated groups can apply. All organisations must have at least 2 unrelated board or committee members. Projects must align with one of the fund’s missions.
Deadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.