The National Lotteries Commission (NLC) in South Africa has extended the closing date for funding applications for non-profit organisations (NPOs).
The deadline for the 2024/25 Call for Applications, which was previously 31 March 2025, has now been moved to 16 May 2025 to allow more time for those to complete their submissions.
The NLC was established in terms of the Lotteries Act 57 of 1997 to regulate the National Lottery, Sports Pools and society lotteries, as well as to raise funds for worthy causes.
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Factors which influenced the decision for an extension included a significant increase in civil society organisations visiting NLC offices nationwide, and backlogs in updating applicants’ information on the Department of Social Development (DSD) Portal.
Meanwhile, there was also high volumes of inquiries received through the NLC’s contact center and social media platforms, as well as a large number of applicants still requiring assistance at NLC help desk sessions across nationwide
Jodi Scholtz, NLC Commissioner, urged all stakeholders to take advantage of the extension, stating they should “ensure their organisations’ profiles are updated with the Department of Social Development (DSD) before submitting applications and to proceed to lodge their application as soon as possible rather than waiting for the final deadline”.
The organisation reiterated that there will be no further extensions beyond the newly announced deadline.
Meanwhile, earlier this year the NLC also revealed that it has a plan in place to ensure that the funding of good causes continues.
The commission was commenting on reports that referred to the postponement of a decision on the award of the fourth national lottery and sport pools licence.
It said: “The NLC fully understands the concerns of civil society organisations that rely on the NLC for funding but the board can reassure the public that the NLC has sufficient reserves to ensure the continued provision of funds to support worthy causes.”