The National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF) has launched a new fund for organisations that can support community leaders who are making change in and for their communities. This funding is for large-scale initiatives taking place across at least two regions of England.
Community leaders are defined as “someone who mobilises people, ideas or resources to create positive change for their community”. They are grassroots leaders, rather than formally appointed leaders of institutions.
The aim of Change Makers is to:
- enable community leaders to shape the future of their communities
- involve community leaders across communities and organisations – including those from under-represented groups and those with lived experience
- help community leaders make an impact on wider systems
- share learning within the sector
NLCF is offering grants of between £1m and £5m for 5-year projects run by charities or other organisations from the voluntary and community sector, colleges or universities, or public bodies. Applications can be made by a single organisation or by a partnership. You must operate across at least two English regions and have experience of supporting community leaders.
Focus of fund/fund aims:
Large grants for organisations supporting community leaders to make a difference in their communities
Application deadline:
5 August 2026
Fund description:
https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/funding-programmes/change-makers