National Lottery
NCVO has always been supportive of the National Lottery provided that it generates additional money for charities while minimising any potentially adverse effects on their income and fundraising activities.
Our policy work in this area has been based on preserving three key principles:
- Independence: lottery funds should be distributed by independent bodies that are free from government interference, but accountable to Parliament. Distributors should have the freedom to take financial decisions on funding priorities and specific grant allocations, after consultation.
- Additionality: funding from lottery distributors must be additional to that which is properly funded by government and not a substitute for it. It should not be used to fund essential services or government inspired programmes.
- Sustainability: lottery funding should support the development of a sustainable funding environment for the voluntary sector. In particular, lottery grants should cover the full cost of the activity being funded.
If you would like to discuss NCVO's work in this area please email policy@ncvo-vol.org.uk or telephone: 020 7520 2473.
News
NCVO responds to consultation on National Lottery Shares
NCVO has responded to the Department for Media, Culture and Sport consultation on National Lottery Shares.
- Download the NCVO response (PDF 33KB)
- Download the NCVO briefing on the proposed changes (PDF 82KB)
If you would like to discuss our work in this area please email James Allen, Senior Policy Officer or telephone 020 7520 2475.
Big Lottery Fund's Funding Strategy 2009-15 - June 2009
The Big Lottery Fund has published their funding strategy to cover the period 2009-15. In this they pledge to give at least 80% of their funding to the voluntary and community sector and provide an extra £45m to help charities through the recession. The additional £45m will consist of:
- £20 million for the Reaching Communities scheme in England
- £7 million for its Basis programme
- £5 million for its Awards for All
- between £1 million and £3 million each for programmes in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
We responded to their consultation back in February. In this we asked for 100% of funding to go to the VCS and for a more rigorous application of the additionality principle.
- Download the NCVO Response to 'Big Thinking' (PDF, 102Kb)
In our media response, Stuart Etherington CEO, NCVO said:
"BIG have responded with positive action to the pressure the recession is placing on voluntary organisations. This funding will become even more critical in the coming years and we are delighted they have taken these steps. We look forward to working with them to ensure that money is directed to those communities most in need. We welcome the commitment to 80% however we still believe that 100% of BIG's funding should go directly to the voluntary and community sector and will continue to campaign for this."
