Across the constituency we have a fantastic local network of charities and organisations that work tirelessly to support residents and communities. This has been further demonstrated during the Covid-19 pandemic, and their commitment and contribution to our communities is greatly appreciated.
On Wednesday 29th July, I was pleased to see the new charity lottery annual sales limit of £50 million per annum came into force, allowing charity lotteries to raise more money for good causes, reduce administration costs and cut bureaucracy.
The change also means the annual funding available for smaller, local charities, from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, will more than double, from around £9 million to over £20 million.
This is good news and follows a campaign for change that I have been pleased to support for some time, including speaking at an event back in 2017.
The next local charity funding rounds funded by players of People’s Postcode Lottery open on 4th August, and four People’s Postcode Lottery trusts will be open for funding applications. Local good causes and charities will be able to apply for funding of up to £20,000 until Wednesday 19th of August.
Each of the four Trusts support projects focussed on different themes – details below
- Postcode Neighbourhood Trust will help good causes affected by COVID-19. Groups looking to adapt or expand services, or to increase their resilience should apply.
- People’s Postcode Trust funds projects aimed at promoting human rights, combatting discrimination and helping to prevent poverty.
- Postcode Community Trust supports initiatives working to improve health and wellbeing in communities, including those that look to reduce isolation. The Trust also supports projects that increase participation in arts and physical recreation.
- Postcode Local Trust is for groups looking to increase community access to outdoor space and improve biodiversity. Groups looking to improve sustainability or combat climate change are also encouraged to apply.
Good causes should apply to the trust that best supports the aims of their project. Short funding guides and an eligibility quiz can be found on each trust website to help applicants.