Who we are

We are the independent organisation set up by Parliament to distribute money raised by the National Lottery to support charitable, benevolent and philanthropic organisations throughout the UK. We also make grants to UK based agencies working abroad.

Until October 1997 28 per cent of the money raised by the National Lottery was shared equally by five good causes - charities, heritage, projects to mark the Millennium, arts and sports. These funds are distributed respectively by the National Lottery Charities Board, the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Millennium Commission, and the Arts and Sports Councils of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Now, a share of Lottery funds goes to a sixth Lottery fund distributor, the New Opportunities Fund. This fund will give grants to projects dealing with education, health and environmental issues. The National Lottery Charities Board now receives 4.7p from every £1 spent on the Lottery.

The National Lottery Charities Board has 17 Board members including the Chair. There are five country grant making committees made up of Board members covering England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the UK. There are also nine England Regional Awards Committees. Grants for the International grants programme are awarded by the UK committee following recommendations from the International Advisory Panel.