tnlcommunityfundwales

Applying for a National Lottery grant: How to get started 

Do you have an idea for a community project? Has the idea been developed with the people in your community? If so, you may be able to apply to The National Lottery Community Fund for a grant to turn your project idea into a reality. 

North East Wales Chinese Women’s Association at an event celebrating the Chinese New Year

Like other funders, we cannot give grants to individuals. To be eligible to apply for money from us, you need to be a UK-based not-for-profit organisation. You do not need to be a registered charity to apply, for example you could also be a community or voluntary group, a company limited by guarantee, a school, a community or town council or a health body. Before you apply you will need: 

  • A governing document, such as a constitution – This document must set out the name and purpose of your organisation. It should also cover how it will work, including how people can join; how your committee will operate; when you will have meetings; how your finances will be managed and a policy for what happens if the organisation closes (a dissolution clause). A model constitution can be found on the Charity Commission’s website. 
  • A committee or board – This should be made up of at least two members who are not related to each other or living at the same address. For grants over £20,001, you will need at least three members.  
  • A UK bank account – The account must be in your organisation’s name (as written on the constitution). At least two of the unrelated committee members are required to approve the withdrawal or spending of money. 
  • Annual Financial Accounts – If your organisation is still in its first 12 months, provide us with a projection listing any expected spending and income (including any funding you are applying for) over the next year. Accounts must clearly state the name of your organisation (as on the constitution) and show the start and end dates for the 12 month period they cover (for example, 6 April 2023 to 5 April 2024). 

I am not sure how to set up an organisation. Where can I get help? 

Getting your organisation set up can seems overwhelming at first, but the good news is there is a wealth of information and support to help you. 

The Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) website covers most of the things you need to know about starting a voluntary group, including the different types of structures that are available, and what you might need to consider when deciding whether you should register your organisation as a charity or not. If you need any further support, contact your local voluntary council. 

Right, we have got all that in place. What next? 

Visit out our website to find out which grant programme is most suitable for your project. Our main programmes are: 

Our responsibility is to fund community projects that help people and communities to thrive. If you are looking to fund a sports, arts or heritage project, visit The National Lottery funding finder to find the most suitable funding body for your project. 

What kind of projects have you already funded? 

Members of Havershed Men’s Shed play dominoes together.

Some great examples of projects we have funded through National Lottery Awards for All Wales include a £9,470 grant to Havershed Men’s Shed in Pembrokeshire to establish a place for older men to share skills, socialise, support each other’s health and wellbeing, and carry out projects that benefit the community. GROW Cardiff received £9,781 to improve their volunteers’ mental health with outdoor, social and learning experiences based around gardening and sustainability.

An example of a larger project funded through People and Places is Manage Money Wales CIC, who were given a grant of £249,831 to support local people on low incomes. They created a permanent site for their community Sharing Shop, establish a community pantry and fridge, and organise workshops and outreach activities, including a pop-up shop.

How do I find out more? 

If you have any questions about applying, contact our advice team on 0300 123 0735 or wales@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk. They are always happy to have a chat and point you in the right direction. 

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