Awards for All is an accessible funding route for small and medium-sized charities, CICs and CIOs working on community projects, including those involving arts, culture, environmental sustainability and wellbeing.
It can be a useful starting point for organisations new to grant funding or those looking to develop and deliver activity that benefits their communities.
What is Awards for All?
National Lottery Awards for All England is a small grants programme delivered by the National Lottery Community Fund. It supports community-led projects with grants ranging from £300 to £20,000, with funding available for projects lasting up to two years.
The programme can support organisations developing new activities, continuing existing work or responding to challenges affecting their communities.
£300–£20,000
Funding for eligible community-focused activities in England.
Up to two years
Funding can support eligible activities delivered over up to 24 months.
Visit the National Lottery Awards for All England programme page ↗ for current funding amounts, programme priorities and application requirements.
Who can apply
Awards for All England is open to different types of constituted organisations working to benefit their communities.
Registered charities and CIOs
Registered charities and charitable incorporated organisations can apply, subject to the funder's requirements.
Community interest companies
CICs limited by guarantee or shares may qualify. CICs limited by shares must follow the regulator's guidance on sharing profits.
Community groups
Constituted voluntary organisations, community groups and clubs may also be eligible.
Other eligible organisations
Some not-for-profit companies, community benefit societies, schools and statutory bodies can also apply, subject to specific conditions.
Individual artists and sole traders cannot apply in their own right. However, they may be involved in delivering an eligible project led by an organisation that meets the funder's criteria.
Eligibility depends on more than an organisation's legal structure. Read the funder's Who can apply guidance ↗ and confirm that your organisation meets the current requirements.
What the funding can cover
National Lottery Awards for All England can support a range of project and organisational costs that help deliver community benefit.
Eligible expenditure can include staff and training costs, equipment, community events, volunteer expenses, transport, utilities and organisational running costs.
Some small land or refurbishment projects may also be eligible, provided the relevant property permissions and other programme conditions are met.
What makes a strong application
- A clear project with defined objectives and activities.
- Evidence of community need or demand, rather than assumption.
- A realistic budget that matches the activities and funding request.
- Clear outcomes showing how the project will benefit people.
- Suitable governance and financial arrangements to manage the proposed funding.
Some costs cannot be funded, including costs already paid, certain fundraising activities, and fees for someone else to write your application. Read the official What you can spend the money on guidance ↗ before preparing your budget.
Common reasons applications are turned down
An application may be unsuccessful if the project aims are unclear, the budget does not match the proposed activities, or the organisation has not adequately demonstrated who will benefit from the funding.
Even an eligible project is not guaranteed funding. The National Lottery Community Fund receives more applications than it can support, so it is important to present a clear and convincing proposal.
Unclear community benefit
The application does not clearly explain who needs the activity and how the project will help them.
Weak project budgeting
The requested costs are not explained clearly, or the expenditure does not align with the proposed activities.
A stronger application explains what the organisation wants to achieve, how local people have helped shape the project and how the planned activities will make a difference.
Be specific about community needs, proposed activities and expected benefits. Avoid relying on broad statements without showing how the project will work.
Preparing your own Awards for All application
The National Lottery Community Fund expects applicants to prepare their own Awards for All applications. It does not accept applications written on an applicant's behalf by private businesses, consultants or bid writers.
Before completing the application, take time to understand the programme requirements and develop a realistic project that responds to community needs.
Understand your community
Speak with local people, identify the challenges they face and explain how your project responds to their needs.
Define the project
Set out the activities, who will take part, when they will happen and what the project aims to achieve.
Build a realistic budget
Calculate the costs of the proposed activities and confirm that each requested expense is eligible.
Prepare your organisation
Check your governing documents, financial information, key contacts and any safeguarding arrangements relevant to the activities.
The National Lottery Community Fund explains the application process, the information applicants need to provide and the next steps after submission.
Read the official How to apply guidance ↗ before starting your application.
