Arts projects to benefit from lottery fund expansion

A National Lottery-supported fund that has previously invested in arts projects across local communities is set to receive its largest expansion in three decades.

The National Lottery Community Fund plans to make funding available for more than 80% of areas across the UK and reach more than 60% of areas through a grant award.

The commitment, outlined in the fund’s Corporate Plan for 2024-27, comes alongside a goal of directing more than 50% of all grants to communities experiencing the greatest levels of poverty and disadvantage.

READ MORE:

• New lottery operator unable to meet pledged targets
• Arts in health: What's changed in 25 years?

“This plan encapsulates the next three years of our strategy and coincides with a new chapter in The National Lottery story. It’s one that anticipates increasing returns to good causes, as this year we celebrate its 30th anniversary,” said David Knott, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Community Fund.

“We pledge to extend grassroots funding to communities across the UK, concentrating on reaching places that have not previously sought funding and staying rooted in the communities we serve.”

A review of the fund’s activities across the UK is also underway. Once completed, the fund is expected to implement a new grant budget and allocations formula for more than £3bn of National Lottery funding activities across the UK, with an overarching aim of enhancing accessibility and reach.

The National Lottery Community Fund is the largest single source of funding for community activities in the UK. It distributes funding from The National Lottery – receiving and awarding 40% of good causes income – as well as dormant accounts and third parties.

The fund’s use of a video application process has been heralded as a way to reduce proposal writing times and support applications from arts organisations.

Supported projects

Arts projects previously funded by the National Lottery Community Fund include initiatives directed at improving wellbeing, opportunities for young people and support for the elderly.

Examples include a £311,976 grant to expand Arts Education Exchange’s young person arts programme. The project offers participants a personalised learning programme focused on a range of creative activities and is designed to tackle issues of social exclusion and low skills.

Cardiff-based UCAN Productions was formerly granted £165,974 to set up peer-to-peer support networks, providing a range of activities delivered through performance and creative arts workshops. The project is delivered alongside visually-impaired volunteers.

Other funded projects included a five-year initiative entitled Preventing Crisis Promoting Wellbeing, which received a £150,000 grant to support disadvantaged people through various therapies including art therapy, drama therapy and dance and movement therapy. Meanwhile, a three-year project in North Tyneside received £200,000 to provide an arts therapy service that also provides peer support, one-to-one creative support trips, events and activities.

Elsewhere, CST Plymouth has received a £334,351 grant to deliver a three-year project supporting people living with dementia through a Cognitive Stimulation Therapy programme that uses art-based activities.

The National Lottery Community Fund has also historically supported other initiatives, including £10m of match funding for the government’s Know Your Neighbourhood Fund, announced in January 2023.