The National Lottery Community Fund has announced changes to its People and Places programme following extensive consultation with communities.
FUNDING FOR COMMUNITIES
The newly refreshed People and Places programme will invest up to £20 million per year to communities across Wales, thanks to the money raised by players of the National Lottery.
Following the launch of their new strategy, ‘It Starts with Community’, the Fund has refreshed its funding offer to support communities in Wales. People and Places is now looking to make a bigger difference in the years ahead by being guided by the Fund’s new four missions, which are supporting communities to:
- come together
- be more environmentally sustainable
- help children and young people thrive
- enable people to live healthier lives
Grants of up to £500,000 will be available. Groups applying will need to demonstrate how they have involved the community, and built upon the skills, experiences and strengths of people and show how they are filling a gap.
All projects will also need to consider the environmental impact of their activities and there is more support available at their website.
CHANGING THE GAME IN WALES
One project already focussing on health, environment and young people is the Game Change Project based in Powys. It is using a National Lottery People and Places grant of £304,240 over three years, to support young people who struggle to engage with traditional approaches to education.
Through the project they gain skills and qualifications, through hands on experiences including rural skills, equine handling, conservation, mechanics, woodwork, digital volunteering, gardening and animal care.
This year marks 30 years since the first National Lottery draw in 1994, and thanks to those who play the games and raise £30 million for good causes each week, with over £1 billion been awarded to communities across Wales through 23,096 grants over this time.
In the last five years alone, over £117 million being distributed through People and Places to communities across Wales.
FIND OUT MORE
Groups with ideas for funding are encouraged to get in touch to discuss their idea on 0300 12307335 or email wales@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk
For more information on all funding available from The National Lottery Community Fund visit https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding