National Lottery Community Fund – The UK Fund

Description

Grants are available to not-for-profit groups for projects which forge connections between communities to create a better-connected society across the UK.

Current Status: Future – Opens 4th August 2023

Maximum value: £ 5,000,000

Objectives of Fund

Funding is intended to develop and expand community links by:

• Strengthening relationships between people whose experiences of life have not been the same. For example, relationships between people of different ethnic backgrounds, generations, occupations or geographies.
• Creating connections between online and offline worlds.
• Helping to make sure people from all backgrounds can shape the future of their communities.

Value Notes

Grants of £500,000 to £5 million are available.

It is expected that most awards will be for two to five years, though funding for up to ten years may be considered.

Around 15 to 20 projects will be funded in the first year.

Who Can Apply

The following types of organisations are eligible to apply:

• Registered charities.
• Community interest companies (CICs).
• Charitable incorporated organisation (CIOs).
• Community benefit societies.
• Co-operative societies (if they have a not-for-profit clause and are registered with the Financial Conduct Authority).
• Constituted voluntary or community organisations.
• Statutory bodies (including town, parish and community councils).
• Companies limited by guarantee.
• Partnerships of organisations.

Eligible Expenditure

Eligible projects must demonstrate that they:

• Will benefit communities across the UK (or have the potential to) – this could be by sharing learning, influencing, collaborating, convening or delivering activity across and between UK countries.
• Scale their impact – this might be by expanding into new locations, developing infrastructure, strengthening delivery or increasing reach.
• Focus on equity – the funders are looking for projects that involve and benefit places, people and communities who experience poverty, disadvantage and discrimination.
• Have a positive impact on the natural environment.
• Share learning openly.

How To Apply

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis from 4 August 2023.

From 17 July 2023, there will be twice-weekly information webinars. Applicants must register to attend one of these before they can apply.

More details can be found here https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/the-uk-fund