As part of its vision for funding in England, and its commitment to its new funding strategy (It Starts with Community), the National Lottery Community Fund (TNLCF) is establishing a £100 million, 10 year Community Power Fund. The aim is to help people influence and change the places they live, the services they use, and decisions that affect their lives across England

Before the launch of the broader programme in 2026, TNLCF wants to work with 10 to 15 partners on a one-year development phase. This will run from spring 2025 to spring 2026 and have up to £1.2 million funding.

Grants of between £50,000 and £80,000 will be available per partner organisation and can be used to fund a range of different approaches to improving community power.

Applications will be accepted from:

• Constituted voluntary or community organisations
• Constituted groups or clubs
• Registered charities
• Charitable incorporated organisations (CIO)
• Not-for-profit companies
• Community interest companies (CIC)
• Schools (as long as their project benefits and involves the communities around the school)
• Statutory bodies (including local authorities, town, parish and community council)
• Community benefit societies.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Work in and with communities that are the most excluded and marginalised, and the least empowered.
• Have experience of working in communities where the conditions are currently least suited to growing community power.

There is particular interest in hearing from smaller community groups as well as larger or national organisations.

The funding can be spent on delivery costs, salary costs, transport costs, overheads, and other costs involved in working as a NLCF partner and taking part in development work.

TNLCF is holding a webinar on 28 November 2024 (14:00 to 14:45).

Registration is required and can be done via the TNLCF website. The webinar will be recorded and shared.

Expressions of Interest are expected to open 8 January 2025.

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