The projects we fund

What we can fund 

We can fund activities supporting people and communities affected by COVID-19. We can also help organisations overcome any acute financial difficulties they face as a result of the pandemic. 

What types of projects we’re prioritising 

We want to support projects and organisations playing a vital role in helping their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will prioritise: 

Organisations supporting people and communities who experience disproportionate challenge and difficulty as a result of the COVID-19 crisis 

This category includes, for instance, organisations supporting older people, disabled people (including people with long-term health conditions) and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, all of whom are facing specific challenges during the current crisis. It also includes organisations who provide advice and support to those pushed in crisis as a result of the pandemic. This category also includes those organisations supporting people and their families with end of life care.

Organisations providing services and support for vulnerable people, for which there will be increased demand as a result of the COVID-19 crisis 

This category includes, for instance, organisations supporting people and families who face financial hardship as a result of the pandemic. It also includes organisations working to prevent domestic abuse and violence against protected groups, those working with homeless people and those supporting vulnerable children and young people.

Finally, we also know that there is increased demand for mental health support and support to mitigate the increased challenges of loneliness and isolation. 

Organisations which connect communities and support communities to work together to respond to COVID-19 

This category includes organisations supporting local community activity, including volunteering, and community organising. It also includes organisations supporting community and sector infrastructure, including public information. We know there is increased demand for support with the development of digital, data and technology capabilities.

Finally, we want to support building capacity and infrastructure of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) and other marginalised communities to ensure they are in a better position after the initial emergency response. 

We know that small and medium-sized charities are likely to be more vulnerable right now. So we encourage applications from those organisations, including micro charities.

Your organisation should involve your community 

We know that some communities, such as disabled people and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities are being hit hard by the pandemic. We encourage organisations to apply who are led by people from those communities. 

We believe that people understand what's needed in their communities better than anyone. So it’s important to us that you involve your community in the design, development and delivery of the activities you’re planning. 

You can watch this short video that explains it well. It might be helpful when you’re putting your application together.

There might be other types of funding for you 

If you’ve read through this page and feel like this funding isn’t quite right for your project - have a look on our website to find other funders in the National Lottery family 

If your project works with children, young people or vulnerable adults 

You need to have a policy in place that explains how they'll be safe. And we might ask to see this policy, if we decide to give you funding. The NSPCC have lots of helpful advice about setting up and following good child safeguarding policies. NCVO also host a number of safeguarding resources. If we do fund your organisation, you must comply with our safeguarding policy.

Projects that need insurance, qualifications or affiliations to a governing body 

Depending on what you want to do, your project might need: