Reaching Communities: England

Apply for a grant

We want to help you fund a project, so fill in the application form and get it to us by the programme deadline. We’ll assess your application and let you know our decision. If you’re successful we’ll contact you about what happens next, and you’ll need to start your project within six months of receiving your grant.

What do I need to think about before applying?

There is a basic criteria to think about before you apply:

• individuals can’t apply
• your project must be legally constituted
• your group must have a bank account with at least two unrelated signatories

Help - I’m not sure if this programme is right for my project

• You will need to read through guidance notes carefully to make sure you can meet the aims and outcomes of the individual programme.

If you are still unsure, please do not hesitate to call our helpline on 0845 410 20 30.

There are many lottery distributors - how do I know I'm applying to the right one?

• Please call our Lottery Funding Helpline on 0845 275 00 00 or go to the Lottery Funding website .  
• You can do a general search that will suggest the most suitable Lottery distributor(s) for your project.

Who can apply for a grant?  

This will depend on which programme you wish to apply to.

• Check the programme guidance notes carefully to see who is eligible for this programme.
• We generally don’t make grants to organisations that are set up to be profit making (with the exception of most Social Enterprises).

Who do I contact for more information?

• Call our national helpline for advice on 0845 410 20 30.
• Email us at general.enquiries@biglotteryfund.org.uk
• Call our Lottery Funding Helpline on 0845 275 00 00 or go to www.lotteryfunding.org.uk