National Lottery celebrates more than £1.7 billion awarded to good causes across Northern Ireland
14th October 2026
The extraordinary impact of National Lottery funding on the arts, sport, heritage and community sectors In Northern Ireland was showcased at Parliament Buildings, Stormont yesterday.
Colm Gildernew MLA, Chairperson of the Communities Committee
National Lottery Good Cause Distributors came together at Stormont to celebrate the extraordinary impact National Lottery funding has had on the arts, sport, heritage and communities across Northern Ireland.
The drop-in event brought together representatives from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, The National Lottery Community Fund, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Sport Northern Ireland, giving elected representatives the opportunity to hear first-hand about the difference National Lottery funding is making in their constituencies and throughout the community.
Because of National Lottery players, more than £1.7 billion has been awarded tor good causes across Northern Ireland since the first National Lottery draw in 1994, supporting thousands of projects and helping communities to thrive.
Across Northern Ireland, you’re never too far from a National Lottery funded project, with at least one funded project in every postcode district. It’s a powerful demonstration of just how far that funding has reached, supporting local organisations, protecting treasured places, creating opportunities and continuing to change lives for the better.
From grassroots community organisations and local sports clubs to arts, culture and the protection of Northern Ireland’s rich heritage, National Lottery funding has reached into communities across the region, helping people turn ideas and ambition into lasting change.
The event provided an opportunity not only to celebrate that impact, but also to look to the future and explore how National Lottery Good Cause funding can continue to support the community in Northern Ireland.
“We are incredibly proud of the difference National Lottery funding continues to make across Northern Ireland. The funding raised thanks to National Lottery players represents an incredible investment in our people, places and communities, but the real impact goes far beyond the number. “Every grant has a story behind it, whether that is a community responding to local challenges, an organisation creating new opportunities, or people coming together to make where they live stronger and more connected. It was fantastic to bring our Good Cause Distributors together at Stormont and celebrate that collective impact.”
Kate Beggs, Chair of The National Lottery Forum Northern Ireland and Director for Northern Ireland at The National Lottery Community Fund
Representatives attending the event were also able to learn more about future funding opportunities and speak directly with the organisations responsible for distributing National Lottery funding across Northern Ireland.
More than 31 years after the first National Lottery draw, the event offered an opportunity to celebrate what has already been achieved while recognising the potential for National Lottery funding to continue changing lives and strengthening communities for generations to come.
And it is all made possible by National Lottery players.