Application tips from The Hinge Centre
10 September 2026
In Bridlington, grant holders The Hinge Centre have been making a difference in their community since 2008.
The charity supports and empowers local people. It helps them connect, access the help they need, and break the cycle of poverty.
Currently, a £264,977 Reaching Communities grant funds vital one-to-one support, and group activities that bring the community together.
We spoke to Chief Executive Jo Sanders-Potts, to hear what they have learned from over 15 years of National Lottery funding applications – both successful and unsuccessful.
What was happening in your community that made this project feel needed?
Bridlington is a coastal town with high levels of deprivation. Over time we have seen an increase in demand for our services. Many residents face challenges, including isolation, abuse and poor mental health.
We’re a trusted organisation now. People come to us when in crisis, when they need somewhere to turn to, and when they need a safe place.
As demand was rising our capacity was shrinking. So we knew we needed to look for some funding support.
What was the biggest challenge with your most recent application?
Even though the questions were clear and straightforward, as a larger organisation we often have a lot to say. It’s very easy to get carried away.
We handled this by going back to what matters most, keeping the people we support at the heart of every answer.
You’ve had a long funding journey with us, with successful and unsuccessful applications. What have you learned?
How important it is to keep people at the centre. The strongest applications are always the ones that bring people’s voices to life. The stories, the quotes, the examples of how feedback shapes our projects.
Over time, we’ve become much better at this. We’ve learned to write less about organisational structure and more about real impact.
We’ve also learned that being adaptable is essential!
Needs change, communities evolve and our applications need to evolve with them. Funders should not expect projects to stay the same and The National Lottery Community Fund really understands this.
What top tips would you give to people applying to The National Lottery Community Fund?
Keep it real. Give the people you support centre stage, they deserve it. Show real lives, real voices and real impact.
Show that you’re willing to change and adapt. Not everything will work perfectly, and that’s okay. What matters is how you listen, learn and move forward.
If you’re a newer group, spend time getting to know the people you’re supporting. Have a coffee, ask questions about their experiences. Those conversations will shape a much stronger application.
Remember you do not need to have everything perfect. You just need to understand your community and be committed to making a difference.
Tell us about one positive impact your project has made so far
This funding allows us to employ a Volunteer Co ordinator. This does not just strengthen our volunteer programme, it strengthens the whole organisation. When volunteers feel supported and valued it does not take long before you see a real change.
Many of our volunteers have been service users themselves. Their lived experience brings empathy, understanding and authenticity for the people who walk through our doors.
Because of this support, our volunteers have grown in confidence. They have developed new skills, and are making a real difference in our community.
Next steps
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