The initiative will work with up to 12 partner organisations over the next five years. NLCF said the work should change how community leaders are supported, build stronger support systems that meet their needs and help them develop, feel supported and thrive in their communities.
Grants of between £1 million and £5 million are available, with up to 12 awards expected across England. Most supported projects are expected to run for five years, although in exceptional cases three or four-year projects may be backed.
Applications can be made by either a single organisation or a partnership. Organisations applying as a partnership must have worked together already.
To be eligible, applicants must already have:
- Experience supporting community leaders.
- Experience working with places, people, and communities facing poverty, disadvantage or discrimination.
- Established relationships with organisations working at a local level.
Full details, including an online presentation, can be found on the NLCF website.
Applications are accepted from 8 July 2026 to 5 August 2026 (noon).
The full application process takes around 10 months.
There are two stages:
- First stage: a decisions is given within about four months of receiving the application.
- Second stage: if the application goes further, it may take up to six months to gather more information and make a final decision.
Contact the National Lottery Community Fund for further information.