Funding for projects which create the infrastructure and social fabric to enable better connections between people and communities.

A year into the Bringing People Together programme, National Lottery Community Fund has so far awarded just over £3 million to 13 projects across the UK.

Not-for-profit groups and statutory bodies may still apply to the fund, providing they:

• Have a clear equality, diversity and inclusion focus.
• Deliver across at least two countries in the UK.
• Demonstrate they can learn and adapt as they go.

Grants of up to £1 million for projects lasting up to five years are currently available, with most of the funding expected to be awarded to groups requesting between £200,000 and £500,00. There will be a smaller number of awards made for projects requesting above £500,000.

All projects must align with at least one of the following priorities:

• Build connections across communities, not just within existing communities.
• Support and explore what is needed to connect communities and enable stronger collaboration to bring people together and keep people together - community infrastructure such as networks, shared resources or coordinated approaches, or supporting infrastructure organisations that support the work of other groups.
• Focus on creating longer-term change.
• Bring people together around climate action in communities.
• Build collective action and strengthen communities' own abilities to have control, influence and agency on the things that matter most to them (collective efficacy).

There is a particular interest in supporting organisations led by, or supporting people and communities experiencing racial or ethnic inequity, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people, and people who are refugees or seeking asylum.

Applications can be made at any time while the funding remains available.

How To Apply

Applications may be made at any time while funding remains available.

Funding proposals can be submitted using the online application form on the National Lottery Community Fund website or applicants can send an email or video to their regional funding officer (details are on the National Lottery Community Fund website).

Organisations invited to the next stage will then be contacted by the National Lottery Community Fund to discuss the next steps of the application process.