Connections Make Communities: Our Role in Local Infrastructure Funding
Documents
This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. To request an accessible format contact us.
Introduction
This research explores the impact of National Lottery funding for community infrastructure, including:
community centres
village halls
community-run businesses
It focuses on 5 main impacts of community infrastructure funding, which are:
providing jobs and boosting local economies
facilitating community ownership
building and renovating shared spaces
improving accessibility
bringing people together
The findings aim to inform funders, policymakers, and organisations working to strengthen community infrastructure.
Findings
The research found that The National Lottery Community Fund support has been important for community infrastructure across the UK. This funding has supported buildings like village halls and community centres, businesses like community-owned pubs and shops, and community-owned assets like housing developments and power generators.
The research concluded that:
community enterprises improve local areas, providing jobs and boosting local economies
community ownership ensures that key assets are not lost, building resilience in the face of economic change
improving accessibility makes local spaces useful for more people, providing opportunities and encouraging interaction
safe and welcoming spaces help people take part in activities and build community connections