Funding sources: lottery funding
This is a major source of funding available to village halls and rural communities. Lottery funds are available through a number of lottery distributors and some of these have objectives related to village hall projects and activities.
1. The Big Lottery Fund
The Big Lottery Fund is currently rolling out its 2006 – 2009 programmes. Village halls will be able to apply for funds under some of the programmes as they are rolled out.
- Grant type: Funding for all sorts of local projects to improve the community and environment.
- Grant size: Grant size varies - see the website for more details
- Criteria: Grant specific - more information on the website
The Big Lottery Fund programmes cannot provide grants to individuals, statutory or profit making organizations.
- Application window: Programme launch and closing dates vary. Information is available on the Big Lottery website.
Check the Big Lottery Fund website for more detailed information at www.biglotteryfund.org.uk or telephone: 0845 4 10 20 30.
2. Reaching Communities
Reaching Communities is a three-year England wide programme launched by Big Lottery. The programme will provide funds for projects that respond to needs identified by communities, and actively involve them; projects that help those most in need including those people or groups who are hard to reach and projects that meet their communities’ needs.
Grant type: Capital and revenue grants. England wide
projects lasting up to five years. Funds to help improve local communities
and the lives of people most in need. £100m is available
for 2006/07.
Grant size: £10,001 - £500,000, including
a maximum of £50,000 for capital grants. Big Lottery has set
a maximum overall project size of £750,000 and £200,000
for the total capital element within a project.
Criteria: Programme is opened to registered charities,
voluntary or community groups, statutory bodies, charitable or not-for-profit
companies and social enterprises. Applications are welcomed from
religious organisations, but funds are not provided for religious activities.
Application window: 2006/07. Programme was launched in
December 2006. Application can be made anytime during 2006/07.
3. The Heritage Lottery Fund
The Heritage Lottery Fund give grants for a wide range of projects involving the local, regional and national heritage of the UK. The Fund runs the following programmes which community buildings can apply to. Grants are available to non-profit organisations. Funding is available for improvements to physical access to historic buildings or sites but only if the improvements form part of a wider project, and the applicant can show that they have met their obligations as a service provider under the Disability Discrimination Act.
The following grant programmes are relevant to the funding of village halls:
Your Heritage:
- Grant type: UK wide. Support for a broad range of heritage.
- Grant size: £5,000 - £50,000
- Application window: None– applications may be made at any time
Heritage Grants:
- Grant type: UK-wide. Caters for a wide range of projects.
- Grant size: £50,000 or more. Project planning grants of £5,000 - £50,000 also available to help applicants plan for a Heritage Grant project.
- Application window: None – applications may be made at any time (except for grants requests of over £5 million).
More information is available on the Heritage Lottery website at www.hlf.org.uk or telephone 020 7591 6000
4. Awards for All
Awards for All is aimed at local communities for projects that extend access and participation, increase skill and creativity and improve the quality of life.
- Grant type: UK-wide. Joint lottery distributors programme.
- Grant size: £300 - £10,000
- Criteria: Grants available to organisations whose annual income is not above £20,000 a year.
- Application window: Applications may be made at any time
For more information visit the Awards for All website at www.awardsforall.org.uk/england/england_main.html or telephone 0845 600 20 40
Page last modified:
29 November, 2007
Page published: XX November, 2005