Charlie Dewhirst, MP for Bridlington and The Wolds, has highlighted the transformative impact of National Lottery funding in the local area. Since its inception in 1994, the National Lottery has distributed over £22 million to Good Causes across the constituency, part of £49 billion raised nationwide.
This year marks three decades since the National Lottery's first draw, during which time it has become a cornerstone of community support and development throughout the United Kingdom.
Every week, approximately £30 million is raised for Good Causes, enabling vital work that strengthens local communities, empowers sports teams, supports environmental projects, fosters creative talent, assists the elderly, and unlocks the potential of young people. In that time, over £49 billion has been raised for Good Causes, enabling more than 690,000 individual grants across the UK, averaging over £108 million or 2,319 projects each month.
In Bridlington and The Wolds, 825 Good Causes have benefited from National Lottery funding. Notably, many of these grants have gone to small charities with annual incomes of £500,000 or less, providing crucial support to grassroots organisations.
Charlie Dewhirst MP recently attended a Westminster drop-in event where they met with representatives from National Lottery funding distributors, to learn more about their work in our local area.
Charlie is now encouraging organisations across the constituency to bid for National Lottery funding and make the most of the fantastic funding opportunities available across the arts, culture and film, community, sports, and heritage sectors.
Charlie Dewhirst MP said:
"The National Lottery's impact on our local area has been profound. From renovating community centres to supporting local sports clubs and preserving our heritage, its funding has touched countless lives.
"While jackpot winners make headlines, the real success story is how every ticket sold contributes to improving our community. I urge local organisations to explore National Lottery funding opportunities. Let's make sure that Bridlington, Driffield, Hornsea, Market Weighton and The Wolds continue to benefit from this vital resource in the years to come."
Jonathan Tuchner, from The National Lottery, said:
"For 30 years, National Lottery funding has been a catalyst for positive change across the UK. With over £49 billion raised for Good Causes, we've supported more than 690,000 projects nationwide.
"Our work has been particularly crucial in recent years as communities faced unprecedented challenges, from the pandemic to the cost-of-living crisis. Looking ahead, we remain committed to addressing broader societal issues, including climate change and social inequality.
"The National Lottery's 30th birthday is not just a celebration of past achievements, but a renewed commitment to fostering positive change. Thanks to our players, we'll continue to empower communities, champion creativity, and build a more sustainable future for all."
For information on the wide range of funding opportunities available through the National Lottery, please visit www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/funding.
For support in applying for funding or for help with any other matter, residents are encouraged to contact Charlie Dewhirst MP’s office directly by email to: [email protected]
