How to apply
If you’re thinking about applying, here’s how the process works and what to expect at each stage.
Get in touch and tell us your idea
Before you apply, you’ll need to speak to us. We want to hear about your idea and help you decide if this funding is a good fit.
You can contact us by emailing wales@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk or calling our Advice Line on 0300 123 0735.
When you get in touch, we’ll ask you to tell us about your idea. You don’t need to have everything figured out, but we’ll want to understand:
- What do you want to do and why?
- How does your idea fit with our funding priorities?
- What difference your idea will make?
- How the community has shaped your project?
- Your organisation’s background?
- How much funding do you need and for how long?
- How does your idea builds on or adds to existing work?
- How is your project innovative and strategically important?
By ‘innovative’ we mean:
- trying new types of activity to tackle emerging needs
- finding better ways to deliver existing work
By ‘strategically important’ we mean:
- strengthening local systems
- building partnerships
- supporting community infrastructure
Send us an outline proposal
If we agree your idea is a good fit, you can send an outline proposal in any format that suits you. For example, apply in a short video, email or document. If you need help, let us know.
We’ll get back to you within 2 weeks with an initial decision.
Submit a full application
If your outline is accepted, we’ll invite you to submit a full application. This will include:
- your detailed proposal
- your organisation’s information
- your partnership agreement (if relevant)
We’ll send guidance to help you prepare your application. Your Funding Officer will also be on hand to advise.
A final decision will be made by The National Lottery Community Fund’s Wales Committee. You’ll usually hear back within 12 weeks.
If you’re successful
If your application is successful, we’ll work with you to agree:
- your payment plan
- how often you’ll update us on progress
- what assurance we need for the funding we’ve awarded
We’ll also talk about how we can support you to:
- celebrate and promote your funding
- engage with the wider community
- share your learning with others
If your application isn’t successful, your Funding Officer will explain the decision and offer feedback.