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Reaching Communities England: Funding to Strengthen Communities and Change Lives
There’s a significant funding opportunity available for organisations looking to create lasting change in their communities.
The The National Lottery Community Fund is currently delivering its Reaching Communities England programme — offering substantial, flexible funding to support projects that make a real difference to people’s lives.
What Funding Is Available?
Reaching Communities offers large-scale grants (typically £20,001 and above) to support projects that:
- Improve lives
- Strengthen communities
- Help people facing disadvantage
Funding can be awarded for up to 5 years, making this an excellent opportunity for organisations looking to deliver long-term impact or scale up existing services.
What Kind of Projects Are Funded?
This programme is intentionally broad and flexible, supporting a wide range of VCSE activity. Projects should focus on one or more of the following:
- Supporting people to live healthier, happier lives
- Helping communities come together and thrive
- Addressing inequalities and disadvantage
- Building stronger, more resilient organisations
Examples of what could be funded include:
- Community hubs and safe spaces
- Mental health and wellbeing services
- Support for families, young people, or older adults
- Volunteering and community engagement programmes
- Initiatives tackling poverty, isolation, or exclusion
Who Can Apply?
Funding is open to:
- Registered charities
- Community interest companies (CICs)
- Charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs)
- Voluntary and community organisations
Projects must benefit people living in England.
What Makes a Strong Application?
Successful applications typically demonstrate:
- A clear understanding of local need
- Strong community involvement in design and delivery
- Evidence of positive impact
- A plan for sustainability and long-term benefit
Taking time to show how your project is shaped by the people you support can make a real difference.
