National Lottery Community Fund

The funder supports a broad range of community-led initiatives, including environmental projects that help people connect to and care for nature. It funds projects that strengthen communities and create positive change, with a focus on benefiting the wider community. In Scotland, it also supports land acquisition through the Scottish Land Fund. Programmes are tailored to each nation, with specific themes such as environment and community action. The funder covers project costs and capital works, and does not require match funding.

Eligible organisations include registered charities, Scottish charitable incorporated organisations (SCIOs), community interest companies (CICs), community benefit societies, constituted voluntary or community organisations, community groups, schools, and not-for-profit companies. The funder prioritises organisations with smaller annual incomes. Projects must benefit the wider community, not just the organisation's members. Applications are accepted from organisations based in England or Scotland, depending on the programme. There are no religious restrictions.

The funder does not accept applications from individuals, sole traders, organisations based outside the UK, or companies that can distribute profits to directors, shareholders or members, including companies limited by shares. Trusts are also excluded from some programmes.

The funder operates through distinct programmes tailored to each nation, with no requirement for match funding. It supports a wide range of community-led initiatives, including project costs and capital works. The funder welcomes unsolicited applications and does not require match funding.