Credit: The National Lottery

This year marks 30 years since the first National Lottery draw in 1994. Over the years, thanks to National Lottery players who raise £30 million for good causes each week, with over £1 billion awarded to communities across Wales through 23,086 grants over this time.  

The National Lottery Community Fund has supported a wide range of projects from all corners of Wales. From environmental sustainability initiatives to programmes that help children and young people thrive, the Fund has been instrumental in fostering community spirit and resilience. This milestone is not just a celebration of the past achievements but also a commitment to continue to support communities for years to come. Some of Wales’ most iconic landmarks exist due to National Lottery funding. From the oldest, smallest and largest grants ever awarded in Wales, here is a look at some of the interesting projects funded over the last three decades. 

Our largest grants 

Welsh Highland Light Railway Limited based in Penrhyndeudraeth received a huge £4,266,690, which was awarded back in 1995. The money was used to restore Wales’ heritage railway system.  

Middleton Botanic Garden were awarded £22,243,375 in 1996. Based in Llanarthne, the botanical garden is one of Wales’ sought after tourism locations. 

Based in Cardiff, our largest grant was awarded to the Millenium Stadium PLC (now known as the Principality Stadium). With a massive £46,360,000 given as part of the Millenium Commision in 1997, this iconic landmark has been host to some of the biggest artists in the world and, of course, Welsh rugby.  

Our smallest grants 

Love Lane Residents Association based in north Wales received £79 back in 2001 to support a newly formed resident group. 

£80 was awarded to Carms School Tennis Association based in mid Wales. Granted back in 1999, the money was used to help the group participate in the Welsh Youth Millenium Games.  

Based in south Wales, Heroes Return Award was awarded £102 in 2005 to fund a commemorative visit to Germany. 

Our earliest grants 

Back in 1995, The Trustees of Lawrenny Village Hall were awarded £131,170. The money was used to refurbish the Hall and Youth Hostel based in Lawrenny, creating accommodation for visitors to the area.  

Parochial Church Council of St John The Baptist based in south Wales also received funding in 1996. A grant of £146,500 grant was also awarded in 1995. The money was used to create a much-needed community facility for residents in community.  

Our earliest grant in1995 was awarded to Cwmni Urdd Gobaith Cymru Ltd. With £390,282 the project restored and upgraded Glan-Llyn, a residential multi-activity outdoor centre on the shores of Lake Bala. 

Sian Lewis, Chief Executive of Urdd Gobaith Cymru, said: “Funding from The National Lottery Community Fund over the years has also helped modernise the facilities at our popular residential centres in Llangrannog and Glan-llyn. 

“On behalf of the Urdd I would like to The National Lottery Community Fund for supporting our vision, and in doing so, helping us continue to offer invaluable experiences through the medium of Welsh to children and young people across Wales.” 

John Rose, Wales Director of The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “We are incredibly proud of our history and the breadth of different projects we have funded in Wales these past 30 years. Thanks to National Lottery players, over £1 billion has been awarded to projects in the last three decades and we will continue to fund exceptional projects as we head into the future.”  

National Lottery players raise over £30 million a week for good causes across the UK. Thanks to them, last year (2023/24) The National Lottery Community Fund awarded over half a billion pounds (£686.3 million) of life-changing funding to communities across the UK, supporting over 13,700 projects to turn their great ideas into reality.  

To find out more visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk