National Lottery funding for community groups
National Lottery good-cause funding is one of the largest sources of grants for UK charities, community groups, clubs and social projects. It's distributed through several independent funders — most notably The National Lottery Community Fund, plus the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England, Sport England and their national equivalents. Subvention surfaces live Lottery-backed grants your organisation is eligible for, each linked to source.
Search live grants for charities, CICs, clubs, community groups and individuals.
Grants change frequently — always confirm eligibility, amounts and deadlines with the funder via the linked source. Subvention does not guarantee funding.
The main National Lottery funders
National Lottery money reaches communities through distinct distributors, each with its own themes and application routes:
- • The National Lottery Community Fund — community projects, from small local grants to large programmes
- • National Lottery Heritage Fund — heritage, buildings, landscapes and community history
- • Arts Council England (and national equivalents) — arts, culture and creativity
- • Sport England / sports councils — sport and physical activity
Who can apply
Most National Lottery funding is aimed at charities, community and voluntary groups, CICs, clubs and sometimes public bodies — not private businesses. Programmes range from quick small grants to multi-year funding. Subvention matches your organisation to live Lottery grants and links to each funder's official page to confirm eligibility and deadlines.
Frequently asked questions
- Who can get National Lottery funding?
- Mainly charities, community and voluntary groups, CICs, clubs and sometimes public bodies. It's generally not for private businesses. Subvention flags which live Lottery grants your organisation is eligible for.
- What can National Lottery grants pay for?
- Depending on the fund: community projects, activities, equipment, heritage, arts, sport and sometimes running costs. Each distributor sets its own rules.
- How do I apply for National Lottery funding?
- Apply through the relevant distributor (e.g. The National Lottery Community Fund or Heritage Fund). Subvention links you to the official page for each live grant.
Grant data refreshed daily · page last reviewed 2026-07-26. Always confirm details with the funder.