07 September 2000

Summer cheer - at last! - for England charities

Twenty six national voluntary groups got a £7 million ray of sunshine today (Sept 7) after being awarded grants by the Charities Board. The grants are part of a £40 million range of awards to 277 groups across England.

And charities will continue to receive grants, despite the controversy over awarding the licence for the new Lottery operator.

Richard Martineau, Chair of the England Committee said: "It may have been a lousy summer - but our grants will brighten up many people's lives across the country.

"The Charities Board will continue to ensure that Lottery money goes to communities that need it the most. Several groups called us two weeks ago after seeing all the headlines. They were worried about the future. We want to stress that the Charities Board will continue to support local good causes - regardless of who is running the National Lottery game."

"If your group would like a grant for a project please call 0845 7919191 or contact 0116 258 7000 for more information."

Groups benefiting today include:

National Society for Epilepsy - awarded £516,884.

The group improves the health of people with epilepsy by improving treatment and information. Our grant will enable it to increase awareness of epilepsy by setting up an information network across the country.

Pre-School Learning Alliance - awarded £279,051

Our grant will allow the group to increase support to pre-schools across England

Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) - awarded £497,579

ACRE promotes awareness of key rural issues at a national level. The grant will allow the group to strengthen its services and raise its profile.

National Centre for Volunteering - awarded £193,271

NCV researches and promotes volunteering. Our grant will mean it can assist voluntary groups to produce information on volunteering.

All enquiries: Martin Valentine - England Media Manager - 0116 258 7023

Notes to editors:

1 The Charities Board has a number of publications available which explain the application process. These are available by calling 0116 258 7000 - or visit www.nlcb.org.uk
2 Local events are regularly run, often in co-operation with local councils and voluntary sector helper organisations, to give groups the chance to ask questions and share ideas.
3 A video - 'Apply yourself' - is also available, which offers a fly on the wall look at several groups applying for grants. The video also features Charities Board staff offering advice and some valuable 'do's and don'ts'.
4 The awards being announced today have been made under the Charities Board's Community involvement and Poverty and Disadvantage programmes.
5 The Charities Board distributes money raised by the National Lottery to charities and voluntary and community groups. The Board distributes grants to help meet the needs of those at greatest disadvantage in society and to improve the quality of life of the community.
6 The Board receives 4.7p of every pound spent on National Lottery tickets or 16 2/3 per cent of all the money that goes to the 'good causes'.