Local Trust

Local Trust, a UK-registered charity established in 2012, spearheads the Big Local programme—the largest National Lottery-funded endowment for place-based change, distributing over £217 million as £1 million per neighbourhood across 150 pre-selected deprived areas in England over 10-15 years. Its mission is to empower residents with unconditional, long-term funding and decision-making autonomy to drive sustainable improvements, fostering resilient communities through trust, learning, partnership, and asset-based development. By prioritising resident-led ambitions over rigid themes, it supports flexible investments in health, youth services, employment, wellbeing, green spaces, social cohesion, community hubs, and infrastructure, complemented by capacity building and collaborative governance support.

It funds grassroots charities, community groups, CICs, and social enterprises rooted in or serving designated Big Local neighbourhoods, favouring small to medium-sized organisations without strict income thresholds. Applicants must align with local priorities set by each area's resident-led partnership, embodying broad place-based community development rather than narrow sectoral focuses.

Grants typically range from £500 to £20,000 (small grants £500-£5,000; larger up to £20,000), covering projects, core costs, capacity building, and minor capital. There are no central open rounds or unsolicited applications—organisations apply directly via their local Big Local partnership's bespoke processes, forms, and locally determined deadlines (e.g., rolling or November 2024-January 2025 in some areas). Local Trust excludes individuals, businesses, national programmes, and activities outside Big Local zones, distinguishing itself through its scale, resident control, light-touch compliance, and advocacy for participatory funding models nationwide.