Community groups and charities in Co Derry receive an early Christmas present from The National Lottery  

Support is being brought to community groups and charitable organisations in County Derry as part of an announcement of £6.8 million of funding in Northern Ireland from The National Lottery Community Fund. 

The National Lottery funding is being used for a range of projects, including bringing isolated people together to make connections, building skills to empower people to improve their lives, and supporting people in need over winter and throughout 2025. 

One of the organisations receiving funding is The Woodland Trust. They have been awarded a £19,792 grant from the National Lottery Awards for All programme to run an outdoor activity programme in Faughan Valley. The one-year project will bring people together to connect with nature, improve wellbeing and learn new skills on tree planting, woodland yoga, outdoor navigation and conservation. 

Sarah Massey, Funding Development Officer, The Woodland Trust NI, said: “This project will reach all different types of people, from older adults to young people not in education or training, and other marginalised groups, giving them opportunities for conservation skills building, volunteering and just getting outdoors. I’d like to thank National Lottery Players for making our project possible.” 

The National Lottery Awards for All programme is accepting applications from community groups for projects lasting up to two years in length. Funding of between £300 to £20,000 is available for projects that have been developed alongside the local community, for activities that reflect what matters to them.  

This could be through bringing people together to develop or strengthen relationships, improving places and spaces that matter to local people or supporting people in communities to reach their full potential. We encourage groups considering applying to get in touch with us to chat about their idea. 

Also receiving funding is Altnagelvin Parents. They have been awarded a £9,920 grant to deliver their annual Christmas event for families who spend time in the Children's Ward in Altnagelvin Hospital due to life-long or chronic conditions. The project will provide a safe and fun event for families to enjoy together, with staff ensuring health needs are met and families are in a supportive environment to relax and have fun together.   

Since the first National Lottery draw 30 years ago in 1994, The National Lottery Community Fund has awarded £786 million to good causes across communities in Northern Ireland. Over this time, UK wide, £50 billion has been raised for good causes, thanks to people playing the games.   

Including Ballymaguigan Community Development Association, based near Magherafelt, is using a £7,350 grant to restore an old fishing platform along the Moyola River walk into a secure walking path. The project will provide a safe walking area for the community to use with places to rest, fish, observe wildlife and relax in a peaceful location.

Kate Beggs, Northern Ireland Director of The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “Congratulations to all the groups receiving funding today. I’m proud to see the impact our funded projects are having in people’s lives and across communities in Northern Ireland.  

“Wintertime and the festive season can be difficult for many, but thanks to these projects, people are being supported to cope with the challenges they face and can look forward to a better 2025. 

“As the new year approaches, we’re building on the work and impact already made through these 30 years of National Lottery funding and continuing to meet the needs of communities.” 

If you have a project idea and would like to discuss funding, please contact our enquiries team on 028 9055 1455 or email enquiries.ni@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk. 

More information on all National Lottery funding here