17 January 1997

National Lottery Charities Board opend application line for new grants programme

The National Lottery Charities Board opens its new application line on 20 January 1997. Charities and voluntary groups seeking funding for projects under the fourth grants programme - New opportunities and choices, and Voluntary sector development - should call 0345 919191 to request an application pack.

This new grants programme offers groups a chance to apply for funding for projects which increase opportunities and choices through learning throughout life and for projects which develop and support services to strengthen the voluntary sector.

Timothy Hornsby, the Board's Chief Executive, explained the Board's hopes. 'We aim to fund projects which extend non-formal learning or volunteering opportunities to people of all ages, including youth work and training for women returners. We will also fund projects which extend learning opportunities to disadvantaged groups, especially in areas which are under resourced. We are looking for some innovative projects such as partnerships with broadcasters, to encourage people who do not normally participate in learning. We also hope to fund projects which promote self-help, community regeneration and enterprise through learning opportunities.

'The second part of our programme is aimed at groups who are providing services or facilities to other voluntary and community organisations. This could include outreach work and training opportunities. We also aim to fund new uses of information technology and projects to improve the research capability of the voluntary sector itself.'

The last date to request an application pack is 7 March and completed application forms should be returned to the Board by 4 April 1997. The grants will be announced in summer 1997.

In December 1996 and January 1997 the Board announced £159.4 million worth of grants to health, disability and care projects, including grants to research charities.