15 July 1998

National Lottery Charities Board - Small Grants scheme opens today

From today small charities and community groups across the UK can apply for a small grant from the National Lottery Charities Board.

Following successful pilot schemes in Wales, Scotland and the North East and South West of England, the Board has extended its Small grants scheme to the whole of the UK.

The Board distributes funds raised by the National Lottery to charities, voluntary and community groups throughout the UK. Its aim is to help those at greatest disadvantage in society and to improve the quality of life in the community.

The purpose of the Small grants scheme is to reach smaller charities and community groups who might not apply to the Board’s other grants programmes. Groups with an income of less than £15,000 can apply for a grant of between £500 and £5,000. Groups should hear the outcome of their applications within three months.

The scheme was first piloted in Wales in June 1996 and was extended to Scotland and the North East and South West of England in March 1997. More than £12 million has been awarded to over 4,800 small groups, including scouts groups, playgroups, clubs for older people and youth clubs.

Chris Smith, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said: ‘I congratulate the National Lottery Charities Board on the extension of their Small grants scheme to the whole of the UK. Many small charities and community groups have already benefited from this fast-track system and many more will now be able to obtain Lottery funding simply and effectively. The scheme will bring the benefits of the Lottery closer to neighbourhood level.’

Timothy Hornsby, Chief Executive, National Lottery Charities Board, said: ‘Now that we have evaluated our pilot scheme, we have extended it to the whole of the UK. Small grants are tailor-made for smaller groups. A small grant can be used to fund a wide range of activities, including start-up costs for new groups, training and equipment. Often quite small sums of money can have a significant impact. We hope this scheme will make a real difference to local communities.’

Small grants application lines are open now. For a Small grants application pack, call today on 0345 458458.

For media enquiries, please call the Press Office on 0171 747 5227