National Lottery operator Camelot Group has announced that it will further support UK charities operating through lockdown hardships by rolling out a £600m impact fund.
Camelot will direct immediate funds to charities that have been impacted hardest by COVID-19 circumstances and further aims to support organisations supporting the most vulnerable UK communities during this crisis period.
Funding will be made available to charitable organisations working in community support, disabilities, education, heritage, environment and sports.
Launching the initiative Dawn Austwick, Chair of The National Lottery Forum, said: “The National Lottery has always supported projects that help people and communities across the UK thrive. And now, the funds available are switching focus to support communities, arts, heritage, sport, education and the environment to mitigate the unprecedented pressure they are coming under as the country rallies to overcome Covid-19.”
The National Lottery’s £600 million impact fund will be distributed to organisations through its support network.
£300m will be allocated to the National Lottery’s ‘Community Fund’ – providing six months of extra support to community-based charities.
UK Heritage will receive £50m in additional funding which will provide immediate relief for UK organisations working on heritage projects and initiatives for the next four months.
Sport England secures a £157m support package, helping its stakeholder community navigate financial hardships and further maintaining vital health and physical activity programmes.
The Arts Council secures an additional £144m in lottery funding, supporting its working community and helping maintain projects interrupted by the pandemic.
In addition, the National Lottery impact fund will support regional organisations such as Sports Wales, Creative Scotland and Arts Northern Ireland during the crisis.
Oliver Dowden, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said: “Since the National Lottery began in 1994, its dedicated players have raised more than £40bn for good causes across the UK, making an enormous difference to people’s lives and the issues they care about.
“In these uncertain times, lottery funding takes on an even greater significance, as we come together to deliver a national effort. So I am delighted that the National Lottery is channelling its support to help those most in need across these sectors.
“This will help to support jobs and economic growth, allowing us to support vulnerable people who are relying on us, and continue to keep Britain active, educated and entertained both during and after this epidemic.”
