National Lottery Community Fund Northern Ireland Launches New Strengthening Communities Programme

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The National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF) for Northern Ireland has announced the launch of its new community-led funding programme: Strengthening Communities.

The new fund is available to voluntary and community organisations across Northern Ireland and will invest £20 million each year in support of NLCF’s 2030 strategy  ‘It starts with community'. Grants of between £20,001 and £500,000 for up to five years.

The Fund has a targeted approach distinct from previous programmes, as it is intended for projects focused on early intervention with a particular focus on people who experience poverty, disadvantage or discrimination.

The Fund will start by targeting two of the NLCF's mission areas:

  • Help children and young people thrive.

  • Enable people to live healthier lives.

Projects must align with at least one of the following outcomes:

  • Communities help to reduce health inequalities.

  • Communities support people’s physical health, mental health and wellbeing.

  • People have positive relationships and connections.

  • Communities help young people to reach their potential and thrive as adults.

  • Children and young people develop good social and emotional skills.

Organisations are encouraged to consider how to make their projects accessible to vulnerable and excluded communities.

Project costs and overheads are eligible for funding.

NLCF will be hosting online information sessions on the following dates:

  • 16 October 2024 (11:00 – 12:00).

  • 16 October 2024 (18:30 – 19:30).

  • 24 October 2024 (14:00 – 15:00).

Organisations can register for the sessions on the National Lottery Community Fund website.

The Fund will open to applications on 21 October 2024. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

For more information, please visit Strengthening Communities | The National Lottery Community Fund (tnlcommunityfund.org.uk)