UK National Lottery to provide £600m in Covid-19 support
Camelot pledges support package for the arts, sports and charity sectors to mitigate impact of coronavirus
The National Lottery is repurposing £600m to provide a comprehensive package to support UK charities and communities during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Camelot Group-run lottery is set to provide funds across the arts, sports and charity sectors as it aims to mitigate the devastating impact of Covid-19.
Of the £600m total package, up to £300m will come from The National Lottery Community Fund over the next six months and will be distributed UK-wide to the groups best-placed to support people and communities.
An additional £50m emergency fund from The National Lottery Heritage Fund will address immediate pressures in the heritage sector over the next four months and provide increased investment in essential digital skill.
Organisations such as Sport England and the various Arts Councils of the countries that make up the UK will also funnel their National Lottery funding into programmes to support those in need.
Dawn Austwick, chair of the National Lottery Forum, said: “The National Lottery has always supported projects that help people and communities across the UK thrive.
“Now, the funds available are switching focus to support communities, arts, heritage, sport, education and the environment to mitigate the unprecedented pressure they are coming under as the country rallies to overcome Covid-19.”
Oliver Dowden, secretary of state for DCMS, added: “In these uncertain times, lottery funding takes on an even greater significance, as we come together to deliver a national effort. I am delighted that the National Lottery is channelling its support to help those most in need across these sectors.
“This will help to support jobs and economic growth, allowing us to support vulnerable people who are relying on us, and continue to keep Britain active, educated and entertained both during and after this pandemic,” he added.