National Lottery Awards for All

Background

Awards for All England is a funding programme from The National Lottery Community Fund, designed to support projects that matter to local communities. It provides flexible funding for a wide range of community-led activities across England, prioritising organisations with smaller incomes. Around one in three applications are typically funded.

Objectives of Fund

The fund supports projects that do at least one of the following:

• Bring people together to build strong relationships in and across communities.
• Improve the places and spaces that matter to communities.
• Help more people to reach their potential by supporting them at the earliest possible stage.
• Support people, communities, and organisations facing more demands and challenges because of the cost-of-living crisis.

Projects should be designed around community needs, shaped by the people they aim to support, and based on real local knowledge. Sports, arts, or heritage activities can be eligible if they create lasting benefit for the wider community and help bring people together.

Value Notes

Grants range from £300 to £20,000 for projects lasting up to two years. The maximum total an organisation can receive from this programme in any 12-month period is £20,000. Priority is given to organisations with smaller annual incomes; those with larger incomes are less likely to receive funding.

Who Can Apply

Eligible organisations include:

• Constituted voluntary or community organisations, groups, or clubs.
• Registered charities and Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs).
• Not-for-profit companies.
• Community Interest Companies (CICs) limited by guarantee or by shares (if by shares, must follow CIC Regulator guidance on profit sharing).
• Schools (only if the project mainly benefits and involves the wider community, not just pupils, teachers, or parents).
• Statutory bodies (including local authorities, town, parish, and community councils).
• Community benefit societies.

Organisations must have at least 2 board or committee members who are not related. Applications must provide details for 2 different people in the organisation (main contact and a senior staff member legally responsible for the funding), both living in the UK with different email addresses and not related.

A bank statement from the last three months is required, showing the organisation's legal name, address, bank details, and account information.

Location

England.

Restrictions

Applications are not accepted from:

• Individuals or sole traders.
• Organisations based outside the UK.
• Companies that can pay profits to directors, shareholders, or members.
• Organisations applying on behalf of another organisation.
• Organisations with a current grant from this programme that has not finished, or those waiting for a decision on another application to this programme.
• Applications written by private businesses, bid writers, or consultants on behalf of an organisation.

Funding cannot cover:

• Costs already paid for (retrospective funding).
• Alcohol.
• Contingency costs, loans, endowments, or interest.
• Fundraising activities.
• Reclaimable VAT.
• Religious activities (religious organisations can apply if the project benefits the wider community and does not include religious content).
• Statutory services or activities.
• Schoolwork support during school hours.
• Overseas travel or projects outside the UK.
• Activities that make a profit for private gain.
• Cash or gifts given directly to individuals.

Eligible Expenditure

Funding can be used for:

• Running costs for your organisation.
• Equipment.
• One-off events.
• Staff and training costs.
• Transport.
• Utilities.
• Volunteer expenses.
• Small land or refurbishment projects (with appropriate permissions and a lease of five years or more if the property is not owned).
• Costs associated with insurance, qualifications, or governing body affiliations.

How To Apply

Applications are made via the online form on The National Lottery Community Fund website. You can save your work and return later. Apply at least 16 weeks before you need the funding and wait for a decision before starting your project or spending money. A decision is expected within approximately 16 weeks.

If you have communication support needs, an Easy Read version and a PDF version of the application form are available. Contact the Fund directly for advice if unsure about eligibility. Successful applicants will receive payment into their account within 14 days of the confirmation email.