The National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF) distributed £80.8m more in grants last year, according to recently filed documents.
Annual accounts for the financial year to 31 March 2025, published this month, show that the community funder awarded £767m in 12,708 grants last year, compared with £686m in 13,720 grants in 2024.
Over the last five years, NLCF has distributed over £3.1bn, ranging from small grants of up to £20,000 to multi-million-pound programmes.
The accounts show that NLCF recorded a total income of £914m last year, up from £906m in 2024, against total expenditure of £854m (2023-24: £953m).
This meant that NLCF recorded a surplus of £58m in 2024-25 following a deficit of £49m the year before.
The funder said this surplus was anticipated through its financial planning and aligns with expectations “as we seek to maximise grantmaking activity without attracting undue financial risk”.
Proceeds from the National Lottery stood at £717m, higher than the £689m received in 2023-24 and above the budget it set.
Dormant assets income received and receivable from Reclaim Fund Ltd amounted to £143m (2023-24: £90.4m) and is anticipated to reach a similar level in 2025-26.
‘We continue to prioritise local, grassroots organisations’
NLCF’s chief executive David Knott said the figures showed that it was turning the ambition of its new corporate plan and strategy into action.
“We’ve delivered at pace, with impact, and with deep commitment to communities across the UK,” he said.
“Over the last 12 months, we awarded £767m to over 12,700 projects – an increase of £80m on the year before.
“That means we’re putting over £2m a day into the hands of communities – helping them tackle urgent challenges and shape a fairer future.”
Knott added that NLCF has introduced new funding programmes, “with more to come”.
“We continue to prioritise local, grassroots organisations – with 84% of our grants awarded through small grants and 82% going to organisations with incomes of less than £1m,” he said.
“This ensures that funding reaches those working closest to the issues and those often under most pressure.
“We’ve made progress on each of our four missions: supporting communities to come together, helping children and young people to access resources and experiences that help them thrive, enabling people to live healthier lives, and to be environmentally sustainable.
“Alongside this, we’ve cemented our focus on equity, diversity and inclusion – inside our organisation and in how we serve communities.”
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