Charities and organisations affected by the unprecedented impact of the coronavirus outbreak in the UK are being given access to a comprehensive package of support of up to £600 million of repurposed money from The National Lottery.
Thanks to National Lottery players, hundreds of millions of pounds of National Lottery funding will be distributed over the next few months to help projects in the UK most impacted by coronavirus and which support some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.
Whether it is funding for good causes that combat loneliness and isolation, provide support for the elderly, or projects that support physical and mental health in the community – the extensive funding packages span the arts, community and charity, heritage, education, environment and sports sectors.
The funding support announced to date in England to help tackle the impact of coronavirus, includes:
– Up to £300 million from The National Lottery Community Fund over the next six months going UK-wide to groups best placed to support people and communities at this vital time.
– A £50 million Emergency Fund from The National Lottery Heritage Fund UK-wide to address immediate pressures in the heritage sector over the next four months and provide increased investment in essential digital skills;
– Sport England announced £157 million of National Lottery funding would go towards a response package to support the sport and physical activity sector including organisations experiencing short term financial hardship or the ceasing of operations;
– The Arts Council in England announced £144 million of National Lottery funding would go towards an emergency response package to support individuals and organisations across the cultural sector in response to the Covid-19 crisis.
– The British Film Institute (BFI) has made £4.6 million of National Lottery funding available to alleviate immediate pressure for organisations and individuals in the screen industries hardest hit by the pandemic, ranging from emergency funding for freelancers whose contracts were suddenly cancelled through to grants for audience facing venues which have unexpectedly had to close. The BFI also plays a crucial leadership role, working with the entire screen sector, to help shape measures responding to the crisis and guiding its strategy for recovery.
The figures highlighted today form the total funding package unveiled to date – further funding announcements are expected in the future.
