Lottery National Community Fund Results
We have once again been successful in getting $160,000 in funding from the Lottery National Community Fund. The feedback was that it was a strong application, however there was an increase in those applying so the amount we got was unable to increase.
I have reviewed each of the 170 centre applications, looked at number of sessions open, funds in the bank, children enrolled, location to other funding options (rural/urban) and consulted with Centre Advisors to ensure that the most vulnerable centres out of the 170 that applied get the support they need. Funds were paid to centres on Friday 22 October and centres have been emailed to remind them what the grant must be spent on.
I would like to give a special shout out to Herne Bay Playcentre who chose to withdraw their application so that our vulnerable centres, many of which have less than $8,000 in their bank, can remain open, and I thank them for doing this. I would also like to thank those centres that applied for $1,000 or less each, you greatly helped in ensuring as fair a distribution of funds as possible.
Although no grant is ever guaranteed ,the process for 2022 will be for our most vulnerable centres to be identified, in consultation with their centre advisors, so that the bulk of our application is supporting those most in need with requests of $1500-2000 per centre. Depending on numbers, other centres may then also be able to apply for smaller amounts (up to $500). Based on this, please be aware that the Lottery Fund may not be an option for your centre next year. I know this will be disappointing for many who have been successful with Lottery in the past, however I hope this will give you time to plan.