On Wednesday the 23rd of November we hosted a 'Meet the Funder' event at the Coach House where we heard from Lorna Henry, Funding Officer for The National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF). We were delighted to be hosting a fully in-person meeting with our colleagues from the community sector to facilitate networking and exchange of ideas and advice. A warm welcome was provided by our Operations Manager Mina Drobná, and the attendees got to enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by Jikoni East Africa at the Coach House.
Image of Lorna Henry, Funding Officer for The NLCF and Mina Drobná, Operations Manager.
People-led, strength-based, and connected projects are the cornerstones of the National Lottery Community Fund's vision. Places and spaces that matter to the community are very crucial elements in an application. Lorna talked attendees through the two available funds that were relative to them:
The National Lottery Awards for All
Grants from £300 up to £10,000 for one year
You can apply at any time (Only one award in any 12 months)
Applications are on-line and there are three key questions
Decisions are typically madewithin 12 weeks
Reach Communities and Partnerships
For voluntary/community organisations or partnerships
Grants from £10,001 or more, running for up to 5 years
Can apply at any time
Applications are on-line with other formats available
Image of participant enjoying food provided by Jikoni East Africa.
Lorna strongly highlighted that when reviewing applications, the National Lottery Community Fund team will look for applications that demonstrate why you want to run the project and how the community is involved. This means explaining why the project is wanted by your community, and how you know this - is this through previous delivery, local data, or other engagements? The fund want to understand how your project plans have come from listening to your community, and they will take this into account when assessing.
Throughout the presentation, the group were given the opportunity to ask questions about the application process, with a great discussion and sharing of partnership opportunities amongst the group.
Image of attendees at the event who were taken through a presentation about the NLCF.
The National Lottery Community Fund is currently open for funding applications from not-for-profit organisations including charities, constituted groups, and some community interest companies (CICs). You can get it touch with the National Lottery Community Fund via:
Advice Line: 0345 4102030
Email: general.enquiries@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk