Paul Sweeney, Chair of our Northern Ireland Committee and UK Board member outlines how we are continuing to support communities in 2023. 

It may be a new year, but we know challenges are continuing as communities face the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and recovery from the pandemic. So it is a good time to give some reassurance about our future funding and continued support. 

Throughout 2022, I had the privilege of meeting voluntary and community groups across Northern Ireland, and getting the chance to hear first-hand from those on the ground who are supporting people in need.  

Projects like Culmore Community Partnership in Derry/Londonderry and Foodstock in west Belfast who are delivering valuable services and support to people in their local community who are struggling or facing challenges. I was inspired to see at first hand the great work taking place to enhance people’s lives.  

We will continue to support communities in 2023 and I want to give the commitment that all of our National Lottery funding programmes will remain open for applications this year – People and Communities, Empowering Young People and National Lottery Awards for All.  

Groups can also apply for two grants under Awards for All in a 12-month period. We hope this will help organisations who want to support those who are struggling as a result of the cost-of-living crisis or who want to bring people together to mark moments of local and national significance such as His Majesty the King’s Coronation in May. 

Looking forward to the year ahead we will be sharing more detail on our new Strategy which will set our vision for grant-making for the years ahead up to 2030. Thank you to those who have given us feedback to date. This has been fed into our plans for the Strategy and will help us to identify priorities for our grant-making in Northern Ireland. Detail on this new Strategy will be announced later this year.  

Get in touch 

We want our current grant holders to get in touch with us, tell us what their situation is and let us know how we can help.  

We also encourage newer organisations and those who haven’t applied to us before to contact us for support and guidance as they develop their community-led ideas. 

Our commitment to people and communities remains a constant.  

Demand for funding remains high, and while we can’t fund every project, our funding will remain guided by communities and where our funding can make the most difference alongside others. 

I also want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the commitment and professionalism of the National Lottery Community Fund staff, and their determination to support communities in these challenging times.  

We are proud of the difference National Lottery money makes to groups, communities and families in Northern Ireland.  

We encourage groups to contact us to chat about their project ideas.

Visit our website: http://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/northern-ireland to find out more.

Give us a call on 028 9055 1455 to have an informal chat about your ideas.