National Lottery Funding Boost to Strengthen Lancaster’s Communities

We are delighted to be able to share some really good news with you. Lancaster District CVS has secured a major funding award from the National Lottery Community Fund, which will ensure continued support for local charities, volunteers, and community initiatives across the district for the next five years.

All charities and community groups need funding, we are no different, and the new investment will enable us to build on our long-standing work connecting and empowering the voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise sector — helping local people make a difference in the places they live.

Over the last few years our whole team has been privileged to work with some amazing people, both in organisations and in communities, and across service providers, to make lasting, positive change. And there’s much more to come!

Over the next five years, the funding will be used to build capacity and resilience; champion volunteering; and empower communities. We’ll continue supporting charities and community groups with training, governance, funding advice, and vital networking opportunities. If you work with a group that needs these things but you’re not already connected with CVS, get in touch.

Lancaster District Volunteer Centre will continue to offer one-to-one support, guidance, and opportunities for local people to volunteer and make a difference to their communities and to themselves.

And we’re launching new, resident-led Community Action Networks (CANs), across Morecambe, giving local people the tools and confidence to lead positive change where they live.

Chief Executive of Lancaster District CVS, Yakub Patel, said the funding comes at a pivotal time. “Communities across our district are facing increasing pressures, but they’re also full of creativity, compassion, and potential. This funding enables us to keep investing in people and places, helping ensure that local voices and lived experiences continue to shape decisions and opportunities across Lancaster District.”

The National Lottery investment will help us to continue to strengthen community leadership, unlock further funding for local projects, and ensure that the voices of residents, volunteers, and grassroots organisations remain central to shaping the district’s future.

“We’re proud to be part of a movement that shows what’s possible when communities come together,” adds Yak.

We are deeply grateful for the ongoing support from the National Lottery Community Fund, our sector colleagues, and from everyone who uses our services and the services of our members and other local VCFSE organisations and projects.

If you work with a group that needs these things but you’re not already connected with CVS, get in touch – 01524 555900 or email [email protected]