The National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF) has so far made awards worth a combined total of £140.8 million to communities that need support during the coronavirus crisis. 

The funding is part of the £750 million of the emergency coronavirus support fund that was announced by UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak in April. 

The £140.8 million covers:  

2,546 awards totalling £75.6 million from NLCF budgets 

2,779 awards totalling £65.2 million using DCMS budgets – an increase of £10m in one week 

A local example of a charity that has benefited from this funding is Kingsmeadow @ Made Forever in Kingswood. 

Kingsmeadow supports some of the most vulnerable people in the local community, including those who are at risk of social isolation and on low incomes.  

It received £75,000 in emergency support funding, which has been able to provide personalised emotional support packages, help with welfare and benefits, regular ‘check-in’ calls, vouchers for essential items and opportunities to join peer support groups during the crisis. 

“The people we support and from the community are losing their jobs, struggling financially, dealing with debts and other complex issues,” said Catherine Sama, Chief Officer at Kingsmeadow @ Made Forever. 

“Many are also experiencing anxiety, loneliness and social isolation – all of which have been made worse by COVID-19 and lockdown. This funding is absolutely vital for us - it has allowed us to provide urgent and immediate support to anyone who needs it in our community. From everybody at the centre, we’d like to say a huge thank you to National Lottery players.” 

Funding is still available and any organisations wishing to apply should visit the NLCF website.