CEO to step down at the end of the year

Today our CEO, Dawn Austwick, has announced that she will be leaving the organisation at the end of this year.

Her announcement follows seven years leading our work as the UK’s largest funder of community activity, distributing good cause money raised thanks to National Lottery players.

Dawn has been instrumental in ensuring that people and communities are at the heart of our decision making and has led the creation and implementation of our Strategic Framework: People in the Lead, over the last seven years.

Dawn decided to step down earlier this year, but put her plans on hold to steer the Fund through the onset of COVID-19. Now with National Lottery money flowing successfully to communities to help mitigate the impact of COVID and with £200m government funding operational, she has signalled her intent to the Board so they can begin the recruitment process to appoint a successor.

Tony Burton, Chair at The National Lottery Community Fund, says: "I am sure I speak on behalf of us all in recognising Dawn's immense service in strengthening the Fund over her seven years. Her passion and commitment has paid dividends and never more so than in the way we have been able to respond to communities in the midst of a national crisis. Her leadership will no doubt leave a positive mark on communities across the UK as the country emerges into recovery and rebuild.”

Dawn Austwick, CEO of The National Lottery Community Fund, says: “After seven years at the helm, and with a significant birthday approaching, it is time for me to seek out new adventures and a different lifestyle. I made this decision earlier in the year but put my plans on hold when Covid-19 struck.

“I will leave the Fund at the end of the year in excellent shape and will be very sad to leave my wonderful colleagues and Board, but excited about what might lie ahead. I remain passionate about the work we do helping people and communities to thrive and fully and energetically committed to leading the Fund through the next few months.”