Have your say on the future of Lottery funding

A call for evidence has been launched on how National Lottery good cause funding should be distributed in future — and voluntary and community organisations are being urged to take part. Responses close midday 23 September 2026

Since 1994, the National Lottery has raised over £53 billion for good causes, funding everything from grassroots sports clubs and community hubs to heritage projects and the arts. But the current distribution model dates back three decades, and much of the decision-making still happens centrally, far from the communities the funding is meant to serve.

This review is looking at whether that needs to change and is built around three aims:

• making sure funding reflects the priorities of local people rather than being decided from a distance;

• giving communities and smaller organisations a genuine say in how money is spent in their own areas;

• and cutting the bureaucracy that often stops grassroots groups from applying in the first place.

For voluntary sector organisations, this is a real chance to influence how future funding works — including whether it becomes easier for small, under-resourced groups to access grants without being burdened by lengthy paperwork. The review is also actively seeking input from organisations and communities who haven't previously benefited from Lottery funding, not just those who have.

Responses can be submitted through an online survey, which takes around 15–20 minutes and can be saved partway through and finished later. Organisations that prefer not to use the online form can also respond by email or post.

👉 Have your say before the call for evidence closes at midday on 23 September 2026.

Read more about the Call for Evidence here.
Jump straight to the online survey form to have your say here.