National Lottery Funding for Coronavirus Fight Tops £1 Billion
Last Updated: Tuesday 9th March 2021, 15:07
The National Lottery has contributed more than £1.2 billion to support the battle against coronavirus. The funding has helped thousands of local charities and organisations to ease the strain on their local communities during the pandemic.
The Covid-19 crisis has caused an unprecedented level of economic and emotional pressure throughout the country, with the health of the nation the priority and many businesses struggling too. But there has also been concern about the future of community groups which do vital work in various sectors.
The National Lottery pledged at the start of the outbreak that it would be flexible with its funding to help people when they need it most, and new figures show just how much has been raised since last March.
The funding has helped initiatives and programmes UK-wide, including organisations focused on tackling loneliness and isolation. Many other funded projects are dedicated to providing support for the elderly and vulnerable young people, or promote physical and mental health in the community.
The National Lottery donates 28 percent of all the money it raises from ticket sales to good causes. This adds up to around £30 million every week, and it is distributed to the arts, heritage, sport and charities.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: "The National Lottery has contributed enormously to the whole country building back better from the pandemic. This massive £1 billion contribution has made a significant difference to the lives of so many by providing critical financial support for our communities in need."
Ros Kerslake, Chair of The National Lottery Forum said: “Thanks to The National Lottery’s players, we have been able to offer comprehensive packages of support to thousands of projects throughout the UK over the last year.
"This funding has helped alleviate some of the significant and unprecedented challenges faced by the community, arts, heritage and sports sectors as a result of the pandemic. None of this would have been possible without the important work of amazing and dedicated people throughout the UK who keep these projects going.”