National Lottery Good Causes: Why Your Voice Matters

For more than 30 years, National Lottery players have helped fund projects that strengthen communities, improve lives and create opportunities for people across the UK. From grassroots sports clubs and community activity programmes to heritage sites, arts organisations and local charities, National Lottery funding has become one of the country’s most important sources of investment in social good.

Now, for the first time in more than 20 years, the government is asking communities, organisations and individuals to help shape the future of how National Lottery Good Causes funding is spent. Through a 12-week call for evidence, everyone has the opportunity to influence where funding goes and how it can deliver the greatest impact in the years ahead.

We believe this is a vital opportunity for the sport, physical activity and movement sector to make its voice heard.

 

Why is the government launching a call for evidence?

The government believes the current funding model needs reviewing to ensure it continues to meet the needs of communities today and in the future.

The call for evidence aims to understand:

  • Whether current funding priorities still reflect what matters most to people.
  • How funding can better reach communities that need it most.
  • How local people can have a stronger voice in funding decisions.
  • How funding processes can become more accessible and inclusive.
  • Where future investment can create the greatest impact.

Why this matters for sport, physical activity and active movement

For organisations working across sport and physical activity, National Lottery funding has been transformational.

As Sport England Chair Chris Boardman highlighted, National Lottery investment has helped create and improve sports facilities, strengthen grassroots clubs and provide opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to be active. Importantly, this investment has often reached the communities that need it most, helping to improve physical health, mental wellbeing and social connection.

Across the sector, National Lottery funding supports initiatives that:

  • Reduce inequalities in participation.
  • Create opportunities for underrepresented communities.
  • Improve physical and mental wellbeing.
  • Build stronger and more connected communities.
  • Support volunteers, clubs and community organisations.
  • Help people live healthier, happier lives through movement.

Many organisations, clubs and partnerships across our network have seen first-hand the difference this funding can make. Whether through community sport sessions, walking programmes, cycling initiatives, inclusive physical activity projects or volunteer development, National Lottery investment helps make positive change possible.

Why we need your voice

This consultation is an opportunity to ensure that communities continue to benefit from the power of sport, physical activity and movement for years to come.

Your views can help demonstrate:

  • The impact sport and physical activity funding has on people’s lives.
  • Why community-based approaches matter.
  • How funding could become easier to access.
  • Where future investment is most needed.
  • How National Lottery funding can continue to tackle inequalities and improve wellbeing.

Have your say

At Leap, we know that movement changes lives. We also know that the organisations, groups, volunteers and communities making that change happen are best placed to shape the future of funding.

If your organisation has benefited from National Lottery investment, or if you’ve seen the difference it has made in your community, we encourage you to take part in the National Lottery Good Causes Call for Evidence.

This is an opportunity to help shape future investment, ensure sport and physical activity remain a priority, and make sure funding reaches the people and places where it can have the greatest impact.

The consultation is open for 12 weeks and welcomes responses from individuals, organisations and communities across the UK.

Take part in the Call for Evidence: National Lottery Good Causes: Fund what matters to you – GOV.UK