News alert – NLCF launches £3m iWill Fund 2025 for England

Date: 14 August 2025 • EOI deadline: 24 September 2025

The National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF), with government backing, has launched a £3 million iWill Fund for England to support place-based youth social action. Up to six grants will be awarded to not-for-profit organisations delivering sustained, meaningful social action for young people (up to 20 years, or up to 25 for those with additional support needs), with a particular focus on those from low-income communities.

What the fund supports

Funded activity should be place-based, youth-led and designed to become a regular, meaningful part of a young person’s life. Examples include volunteering, mentoring and projects to improve local environments.

• Be led by young people
• Be challenging and have clear social impact
• Help young people access further opportunities
• Encourage reflection on achievements
• Be sustained and continue after funding ends

Project requirements

• Create place-based youth social action opportunities
• Engage young people throughout their lives in social action
• Reach young people who have not previously taken part in regular social action
• Demonstrate a plan for continuation beyond the funding period
• Include the voices of young people in design and delivery

Funding, match and eligibility

The total fund is £3 million. There is no set grant amount; up to six awards will be made. Match funding is required—the minimum match-funded amount is £200,000. A wide range of not-for-profit applicants may apply, including charities, CIOs, CICs, constituted community groups, clubs, schools, statutory bodies and community benefit societies.

Start by emailing the National Lottery Community Fund to request an initial conversation about your proposal. Allow around 10 working days for a discussion to be arranged. Following that conversation, eligible groups will be sent an expression of interest form.

EOI deadline: 24 September 2025

Practical tips for applicants

• Design projects that are genuinely youth-led and place-based.
• Show clear pathways for young people to continue social action after funding ends.
• Demonstrate how you will reach young people who have not previously participated.
• Prepare a credible match-funding plan (minimum £200,000 match).

For a helpful summary and local insight see the 3VA briefing: 3VA – NLCF iWill Fund 2025 (summary). For official guidance and next steps contact the National Lottery Community Fund directly via their website.