National Lottery Community Fund launches ‘important conversation’ on its future

Charities are being urged to take part in a consultation on National Lottery Community Fund plans to renew its strategy.

It has launched a Strategic Renewal microsite with details of a survey for its stakeholders to complete.

The Fund is also looking for views via its #TNLCOMFUNDStrategyRenew hashtag on social media.

“We’re passionate about the impact we have and believe now is the time for an important conversation about how we can be the best we can be and make the most difference in our support for UK communities to prosper and thrive going forward,” said NLCF chief executive David Knott.

He added: “This strategy renewal is about ensuring we are future fit and continue to deliver funding that is for all. As the largest funder of community activity in the UK we know this is what our communities expect, and we ask you all to join us in this conversation over the coming year that will shape how we support you into the future.”

Over the last five years the NLCF has awarded £3.4bn to good causes through 72,000 grants.

In February the government announced it wanted to review the NLCF's strategy.

Its response to Danny Kruger’s review of civil society backed the Conservative MP’s recommendation to overhaul the Fund’s strategy “which is now 25 years old”. Kruger wanted the fund to focus more on local and community led distribution of funding.

The government added that it wanted to ensure National Lottery funding is aligned with its Levelling Up agenda.

“We expect to consult publicly on new government policy directions for the National Lottery Community Fund in 2022, to explore how to bring an even sharper focus on investments in the places and people most in need,” confirmed the government in its response.