Strategic framework

Our purpose

We support people and communities to thrive.

Our strategic framework

Putting communities first.

People understand what’s needed in their communities better than anyone. We listen, collaborate and fund so that good things happen.

That’s why we’re proud to award money raised by National Lottery players across the UK.

• The National Lottery Community Fund supports ideas and projects that matter to people and communities.
• We use our funding and relationships to help create stronger, more connected communities.
• Charities and community organisations across the UK are vibrant, diverse and active.
• The National Lottery Community Fund is valued, trusted and efficient.

We will be guided in the choices we make by a set of principles:

For everyone

Our funding is open to all communities whatever their starting point and we understand that some will need extra support.

The strengths people bring

We start with what people can contribute, and the potential in their idea.

A catalyst for others

We listen to, learn from, act on and facilitate the things that matter to people, communities and our partners.

Shared direction, diverse approaches

We value the diversity of communities we work with across the UK, are consistent in the quality of opportunities we offer, and support people to tackle inequalities.

Confidence, not control

We trust in people’s ability to make great things happen, believing that our funding should enable rather than control.

Simple processes, good judgements

We use simple, proportionate processes which enable us to make good judgements.

Using resources well

We make informed choices about the resources given to us by National Lottery players: with knowledge, with people and with money, and in an environmentally sustainable way.