Two million National Lottery fund to boost community spirit
Main picture: The monthly tea dance at The Park in Daventry Road which has been funded by The National Lottery.
The National Lottery has just opened a £2 million fund to celebrate its 25th birthday – offering thousands of grants to bring communities together.
#CelebrateNationalLottery25 is open to anyone with a great idea to make a difference in their local community.
The fund offers anyone the chance to win £1,000 to make their idea a reality – showing no individual or idea is too small to make a big difference in their community.
Proposals could range from a wheelchair lift for a dial-a-ride minivan, a set of events at a local library – or even a llama visit to a primary school.
The Park Centre, in Knowle West is one local organisation using National Lottery funding to bring local people together.
The organisation puts on monthly tea dances – including a live jazz and swing band, professional dancing lessons and refreshments.
Sam Carrier from The Park says: “We are delighted with our National Lottery funding which has enabled us to put on monthly tea dances for local residents in and around Knowle…
“The tea dances serve as a wonderful opportunity for local people to come together and form meaningful connections. They are held on the first Tuesday of every month and we’d love to see more people joining us in the future.”
It is hoped the fund will boost community spirit across the UK and appeal to individuals who might not previously considered applying.
A recent survey in the South West by The National Lottery asked people what they would do with £1,000 to spend in their local community.
The top response was to improve green spaces. This was followed by providing activities for young people along with support and social actives for older people.
Other responses were to clean up the streets and also to provide opportunities for people to learn from each other and develop new skills.
Bristol animators Aardman have teamed up with The National Lottery to release a film to celebrate the fund.
The animation shows what four people would do if they had £1,000 to use in their community and is available to watch here: https://youtu.be/qNLEZguxdzE
#CelebrateNationalLottery25 opens to applications from Saturday 23 November at 8am, until Friday 6 December at 2pm.
Everyone who submits an application will be entered into the lottery draw, which will take place after the deadline closes at 2pm on Friday 6 December 2019.
Applications will go through a checking process to ensure that the idea being funded is eligible and that the money will be used as intended.
A further £5.5 million will be released to grassroots community groups next year through The National Lottery Community Fund’s popular Awards For All scheme.
For more information visit: www.CelebrateNationalLottery25.com
