The National Lottery Community Fund Impact Research Report: Findings from Research With Grantholders

Introduction

This research explores the reach and impact of The National Lottery Community Fund grant funding on charities and community organisations. It looks at:

• what grants were used for

• what reach the funding had

• what difference the funding made

Its aim is to inform funders, charities, policymakers, and organisations working in the voluntary and community sector.

Findings

The research found that, in a typical year, organisations funded by The National Lottery Community Fund reach 5.2 million people. Each month, 1.8 million people use places and spaces supported by their grants.

The survey also found that:

• 97% of grant holders reported benefits for individuals, including improved mental health and wellbeing, more social contact, improved confidence and self-esteem, and feeling less lonely

• 92% of grant holders reported benefits for communities, including opportunities for people to mix with others who are different to them, to engage in their community and help meet local needs, and more events and activities being available in the community

• grants involving assets and spaces saw beneficiaries engage for longer than other grant types

• delivering activities was commonly achieved via recruiting new volunteers

• just over half of grant holders worked with other organisations to delivery funded activities