Open Call: National Lottery Grant for All Northern Ireland (UK) – fundsforNGOs

The National Lottery Awards for All Northern Ireland provides grants of £300 to £20,000 to support community projects that bring people together, improve local places, and help individuals reach their potential. The programme supports voluntary groups, charities, community organisations, schools, and eligible public bodies delivering projects that create positive change in communities across Northern Ireland.

About National Lottery Awards for All Northern Ireland

The National Lottery Awards for All programme supports community-led projects that improve lives and strengthen local communities.

The programme provides flexible funding for organisations working to:

• Build stronger relationships between people.
• Improve community spaces and places.
• Create opportunities for people to develop skills and confidence.
• Support communities experiencing challenges.

Funding is designed for projects that create meaningful local impact and respond to community needs.

Purpose of the Programme

The programme aims to support projects that:

• Strengthen community connections.
• Improve wellbeing and inclusion.
• Increase opportunities for people.
• Support communities facing difficulties.
• Develop positive and sustainable local change.

Key Funding Priorities

The National Lottery Awards for All Northern Ireland supports four main areas.

Bringing People Together

Projects should help create stronger relationships within and between communities.

Examples include:

• Community events.
• Social connection activities.
• Inclusion programmes.
• Activities that reduce isolation.
• Projects encouraging cooperation between different groups.

The goal is to create communities where people feel connected and supported.

Improving Places and Spaces

Funding can support projects that improve locations important to communities.

Examples include:

• Community facilities.
• Shared spaces.
• Local environments.
• Spaces used for community activities.

Projects should help make community places more welcoming, accessible, and useful.

Helping People Reach Their Potential

The programme supports early-stage support activities that help people improve their opportunities.

Projects may focus on:

• Skills development.
• Confidence building.
• Learning opportunities.
• Personal development.
• Support for people facing barriers.

Supporting Communities Facing Challenges

Funding can help people and organisations affected by challenges such as the:

• Cost-of-living crisis.
• Increased financial pressure.
• Reduced access to opportunities.
• Social and economic difficulties.

Projects should provide practical support and improve community resilience.

Funding Available

The programme provides:

• Minimum grant: £300
• Maximum grant: £20,000

Project duration:

Funding supports community projects across Northern Ireland.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Constituted voluntary organisations.
• Community groups.
• Clubs.
• Registered charities.
• Not-for-profit companies.
• Community Interest Companies (CICs).
• Schools supporting their local community.
• Statutory bodies such as councils or health trusts when the activity is not their legal responsibility.

Applicant Requirements

Applicants should:

• Have a clear community purpose.
• Be properly constituted.
• Deliver activities that benefit local communities.
• Demonstrate how funding will create positive change.

Who Cannot Apply?

Organisations are not eligible if they:

• Already have an unfinished National Lottery Awards for All Northern Ireland grant.
• Are waiting for a decision on another application under the same programme.
• Are applying to multiple programmes for the same project.
• Are requesting match funding for an already funded project.
• Have received a total of £20,000 from Awards for All Northern Ireland within the previous 12 months.

How to Apply

Step 1: Identify a Community Need

Applicants should clearly explain:

• What challenge the project addresses.
• Who will benefit.
• Why the project is needed.

Step 2: Design the Project

The project plan should describe:

• Activities to be delivered.
• Expected outcomes.
• Community involvement.
• How the project will create positive change.

Step 3: Prepare the Budget

Applicants should provide:

• Total project costs.
• Amount requested.
• Explanation of how funds will be used.

Budgets should be realistic and linked directly to project activities.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Applicants should submit their proposal through the official National Lottery Awards for All Northern Ireland application process.

Applications should demonstrate:

• Strong community benefit.
• Clear project objectives.
• Realistic delivery plans.
• Good use of funding.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Community organisations often play an important role in improving local wellbeing and creating opportunities.

The National Lottery Awards for All funding helps communities:

• Build stronger relationships.
• Develop inclusive activities.
• Improve shared spaces.
• Support people facing difficulties.
• Create lasting local benefits.

The programme allows small and medium-sized community organisations to turn local ideas into practical solutions.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Clearly explain the community need.
• Describe who will benefit.
• Show how people will participate.
• Provide a realistic budget.
• Explain expected outcomes.
• Demonstrate long-term community value.
• Highlight partnerships where relevant.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying for projects that do not benefit the community.
• Requesting unclear costs.
• Submitting duplicate applications for the same project.
• Applying while having an unfinished grant under the programme.
• Failing to explain how activities create positive change.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is National Lottery Awards for All Northern Ireland?

It is a community grant programme that funds projects bringing people together, improving local places, and creating opportunities for individuals and communities.

How much funding is available?

Eligible projects can receive grants between £300 and £20,000.

How long can funded projects last?

Projects can receive support for up to two years.

Who can apply for funding?

Voluntary groups, charities, community organisations, not-for-profit companies, CICs, schools, and eligible statutory bodies can apply.

Can schools apply?

Yes. Schools can apply when the project supports the wider local community.

Can councils or health trusts apply?

Yes, but only when the project is not part of their statutory responsibility.

Can an organisation apply if it already has another National Lottery grant?

No. Organisations with unfinished Awards for All Northern Ireland grants or pending applications under the same programme may not be eligible.

Conclusion

The National Lottery Awards for All Northern Ireland Grant Programme helps communities create positive change by supporting projects that strengthen relationships, improve local spaces, and provide opportunities for people. Organisations with community-focused ideas that address local needs can access funding of up to £20,000 to deliver meaningful and inclusive projects.