26 March 1998

National Lottery Charities Board Awards 1,002 grants worth £100 million across England

The National Lottery Charities Board today announced 1,002 grants worth £100 million across England under its I and Voluntary Sector Development grants programme.

The Board is funding a range of projects within these themes, including:

• £27.5 million to 212 projects to house homeless people
• £21 million to 287 projects benefiting older people
• £12.5 million to 127 projects providing support to women
• £9.8 million to 174 village and community centres
• £3.6 million to 34 animal projects which benefit people
• £29 million to 247 projects to develop the voluntary sector

Stella Clarke, Chair of the England committee, commented: ‘These grants have been awarded to a range of groups helping disadvantaged people across England. The grants will benefit thousands of people including those who are homeless, on low income or unemployed, young and older people and people with disabilities or ill health. Well known groups to benefit include Shelter (£1,106,991 - the largest grant awarded in England), Dogs for the Disabled (£597,595) and the branches of Groundwork (totalling £2 million for 14 projects) and Age Concern (totalling £2 million for 19 projects) and the RNIB.’

To interview grant recipients or to speak to Janet Paraskeva, Director of England or Stella Clarke, Chair of the England Committee, telephone the press office on 0171 747 5200.