From 15^th November, groups can now apply for grants ranging from £300 to £20,000 for projects spanning up to two years.  

When we launched our Strategic Framework, It Starts with Community, in June 2023, we told you we would be reviewing our popular small grants programme.  

We know applying for funding can seem daunting, but if you have a few steps in place and a great project idea grounded in what your community needs, you can make your big ideas a reality.  

Here are key points you need to consider before you apply.  

It all starts with a great project idea 

Your project plans should have community involvement from the word go. If your community and potential project users have been involved in the planning process, then the project is more likely to work well where it’s needed most. 

We know that small amounts of money can make a big difference, like the recent grant of £4,100 to Carrick Greengrocers in Carrickfergus. Lee Robb, Director, told us “The idea for the greengrocers came about through a project we were running, Positive Carrickfergus. We asked people what their wildest dreams were for Carrickfergus and what people told us was they wanted to see more shops in the town centre – so here we are.”  

A grant through the National Lottery Awards for All programme helped get this community led project off the ground, taking it from a great community idea to a locally sourced and community owned fresh produce shop in the heart of the community.  

Lee shares her experience of the application process saying, “Our top tip for anyone thinking about applying for National Lottery Awards for All, would be to apply for what you need and develop your idea with your local community so that you know it’ll work.” 

Explore your funding options 

National Lottery Awards for All won’t be suitable for all projects so explore the options available to you before applying. Read the programme criteria carefully and ensure your idea and organisation are eligible.  

If not, there is a range of other funding options out there. A good starting point is to look at the other National Lottery distributors especially is your idea is arts, sports or heritage focused. NICVA, Rural Community Network or the Funders Forum for Northern Ireland also might be of interest to you when sourcing other funding options. 

National Lottery Awards for All can support projects that will do at least one of these:  

Ensure your organisation is eligible to apply 

If you think your project idea is eligible these are the main things to check: 

• Your group has a signed and adopted Governing document 

The National Lottery Community Fund only supports organisations and groups, not individuals. Your group will need to have a governing document (sometimes referred to as a constitution or memorandum and articles of association) and is key to unlocking funding opportunities for your group. It doesn’t need to be complex, just a clear outline of your group’s purpose and structure that has been signed and adopted by your group.  

• Your group has a committee/ board with at least two unrelated members 

By unrelated, we mean not married to or in a civil partnership with each other, not in a long-term relationship with each other. Your contacts also should not be related to each other by blood or otherwise related to each other through marriage, civil partnership or a relationship. Your contacts should also reside at different addresses and have separate contact details. 

• Your group has a UK Bank account 

This ensures that if your project is successful in getting funding, funds can be transferred. You must be able to provide a bank statement that looks something like this along with your application. The bank account must be in the legal name of your group as shown on your governing document.  Your group must also meet our requirements for financial controls and banking arrangements. 

• Annual accounts are produced regularly as outlined in your governing document 

We need to know the date of your accounts year-end and how much income your group has. Without this information we cannot review your application.  

• You will need to give us details of at least two UK based contacts 

We will need two unrelated contacts, one who we’ll contact with any queries, and one senior contact from the committee or board.  

Still have questions?  

We want to give you the best chance for success and are always happy to talk to you about your idea and offer advice and guidance. Talk to us before applying if you are unsure if your organisation or idea is eligible, and we will keep you right.