About Lottery funding

Who distributes the Good Causes money?

There are currently 14 Lottery funders who independently decide which projects have successfully applied for a grant. Each is independent of Government but has to follow guidelines when deciding who should receive National Lottery funding. Further details can be found at www.lotteryfunding.org.uk but the 14 Lottery funders are:

• Arts Council England
• Arts Council of Northern Ireland
• Arts Council for Wales
• Scottish Arts Council
• Scottish Screen
• UK Film Council
• Sport England
• Sport Scotland
• Sports Council for Wales
• Sports Council Northern Ireland
• UK Sport
• Heritage Lottery Fund
• Big Lottery Fund (a merger of The Community Fund and New Opportunities Fund)
• Olympic Lottery Distributor

How can I apply for a grant?

To find out about applying for funding call The National Lottery Funding Helpline on 0845 275 0000 or visit www.lotteryfunding.org.uk which explains about different funding streams and which ones are currently open for receiving applications.

How is the money split?

Currently Lottery funding is allocated to Good Causes in the following way:

• Charities, Health, Education & the environment 50%
• Sports 16.67%
• Arts 16.67%
• Heritage 16.67%

Have I received a 'scam' email?

Details about The National Lottery are used in scams to try and convince people they have won a sum of money. Never reply to such emails or give out any personal information. The National Lottery never requests personal details, discloses any prize amounts, or asks for up-front fees. If you receive an email which sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

Please see The National Lottery website for further information about such scams www.national-lottery.co.uk

What is the role of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport?

The DCMS has responsibility within Government for National Lottery policy, setting down how distributing bodies operate.

For more information visit www.culture.gov.uk

How can I find out about grants given out where I live?

There is a database on the DCMS website which lets you search grants that have been given out. The search is located in the National Lottery section at www.culture.gov.uk

Who is Camelot?

Camelot is the current licensed operator of the UK National Lottery. It is responsible for ensuring the best possible return to the Good Causes but does not distribute or award funds. Camelot designs new games, provides services for players and winners, and works with retailers to sell tickets. For more information visit www.camelotgroup.co.uk

What does the National Lottery Commission do?

The Commission is a non-departmental public body. Its duties are to protect players' interests, to ensure that the Lottery is run properly, and to maximise the amount raised for Good Causes. For more information visit www.natlotcomm.gov.uk

What is the role of the National Lottery Promotions Unit?

The NLPU was established to raise public awareness of the Good Causes benefiting from Lottery funding. This was a result of research which showed that people want to know how Lottery funding is being spent. The Unit works closely with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the funding bodies and Camelot the operator.

How can I find out about playing Lottery games?

To find out about all aspects of game playing including results, and different ways to play, please visit the National Lottery website www.national-lottery.co.uk