The National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF) has announced plans to distribute at least £3bn across England by 2030.
NLCF’s latest pledge forms part of its previously announced seven-year strategy that aims to give out at least £4bn across the UK in that time.
While £3bn will be distributed across England, the remaining £1bn will be distributed across communities in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The funder’s plans for England include £275m to support the “building blocks” of community-led change with an emphasis on those who feel least empowered.
It also includes a £100m, 10-year Community Power Fund designated to local organisations, a £50m programme to support informal community leaders who are making a difference in their area and a You Decide funding stream, where communities get to decide which good causes should be supported.
In addition, £4m will be available for civil society organisations and communities who would like to take part in the development phase of You Decide and the Community Power Fund.
‘Bigger, long-term impact’
The latest plan comes as a survey conducted on behalf of NLCF by Ipsos found that 45% of 2,192 adults aged 16 to 75 in the UK said that residents have too little say in making their local area better.
Some 56% said that local residents and associations should help decide how funding in their area should be used.
John Mothersole, NLCF England chair, said: “We’re rooted in communities and that’s key to our strategy.
“Last year, we listened far and wide to understand what the key issues are in areas, and the potential for positive change.
“Now, across our funding in England we’ll partner for bigger, long-term impact, as we recognise that not all communities start from the same place.
“We’ll give them more of a say in where our support goes, to build from their strengths and go where their aspirations take them.”
Phil Chamberlain, NLCF England director, said: “There is great pride in communities, and the expertise to tackle local issues.
“Yet too often people lack the power or resources to take action. Despite this, they show up every day with a passion for doing good, with a relentless commitment to making a difference.
“We are ambitious about the power of communities and connection, and we’re focused on helping them where we see the biggest challenges – and the greatest potential to build a fairer, stronger society.
“By making communities more inclusive. Supporting children and young people. Taking on health inequalities. And tackling environmental injustice and access to nature.”
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