National Lottery Grants for Grassroots Organizations in England
Introduction
The National Lottery Community Fund has officially opened applications for the Step Forward Fund 2026, an equity-driven grant programme specifically designed to support grassroots organizations led by and serving Global Majority and racially minoritised communities across England.
With a total funding pot of £4 Million and individual grants ranging from £100,000 to £225,000, this initiative represents one of England's most significant investments in community-led organizations.
Quick Highlights
Particulars
Details
Opportunity Name
Step Forward Fund 2026
Organization
The National Lottery Community Fund
Programme Type
Community Grant Programme
Funding Amount
£100,000 to £225,000
Total Funding Pot
£4 Million
Eligible Applicants
Grassroots Organizations in England
Funding Duration
2 to 3 Years
Category
Grants
Opportunity Overview
Particular
Details
Funding Organization
The National Lottery Community Fund
Programme Name
Step Forward Fund
Location
England
Grant Amount
£100,000 - £225,000
Funding Duration
2 to 3 Years
Expected Awards
20 to 30 Organizations
Programme Status
Open for Applications
Decision Timeline
Approximately 21 Weeks
About Organization
The National Lottery Community Fund is one of the United Kingdom's leading grant-making organizations, supporting projects that strengthen communities and improve lives.
The organization is committed to promoting equity, community empowerment, and sustainable development through targeted funding programmes.
About Programme
The Step Forward Fund 2026 was co-designed in partnership with The Phoenix Community Trust to help grassroots organizations transition from smaller project grants to larger and more sustainable funding opportunities.
The programme focuses on organizational growth, community care, capacity building, and long-term sustainability for underserved communities.
Benefits Section
Benefit
Details
Grant Funding
£100,000 to £225,000
Multi-Year Funding
Available
Organizational Capacity Building
Available
Community Development Support
Available
Leadership Development
Available
Long-Term Sustainability Support
Available
Strategic Growth Opportunities
Available
Funding Structure
Funding Component
Details
Minimum Grant
£100,000
Maximum Grant
£225,000
Annual Funding
£50,000 to £75,000 Per Year
Funding Duration
2 to 3 Years
Total Fund Size
£4 Million
Number of Awards
20 to 30 Grants Expected
Eligibility Criteria
Requirement
Details
Previous National Lottery Grant
Must have received a grant of £20,000 or less between April 2023 and March 2026
Reaching Communities Application
Must have applied and been unsuccessful between April 2023 and March 2026
Leadership Requirement
Majority of board members must be from Global Majority and racially minoritised communities
Community Focus
Must primarily serve Global Majority and racially minoritised communities
Annual Income
Must be below £300,000 per year (three-year average)
Location
Organization must be based in England
Eligible Organizations
Organization Type
Eligibility
Grassroots Community Organizations
Eligible
Nonprofit Organizations
Eligible
Community-Based Organizations
Eligible
Organizations Serving Global Majority Communities
Eligible
Individual Applicants
Not Eligible
Required Skills
Skill
Requirement
Community Leadership
Required
Organizational Management
Required
Strategic Planning
Required
Financial Management
Preferred
Partnership Building
Preferred
Community Engagement
Required
Required Documents
Document
Required
Organization Registration Documents
Yes
Previous Grant Information
Yes
Financial Records
Yes
Leadership Details
Yes
Organizational Development Plan
Yes
Community Impact Evidence
Yes
Funding Objectives
Objective
Details
Support Organizational Growth
Yes
Strengthen Community Leadership
Yes
Promote Equity in Funding
Yes
Improve Community Impact
Yes
Build Sustainable Organizations
Yes
Encourage Long-Term Development
Yes
Selection Process
Stage
Details
Stage 1
Eligibility Review
Stage 2
Application Assessment
Stage 3
Quality Evaluation
Stage 4
Final Funding Decision
Stage 5
Grant Award Notification
Important Dates
Event
Date
Applications Open
Currently Open
Programme Status
Accepting Applications
Decision Timeline
Approximately 21 Weeks After Application
How to Apply
Step
Action
Step 1
Review the official programme guidance carefully
Step 2
Verify that your organization meets all eligibility criteria
Step 3
Gather all required organizational documents
Step 4
Complete the online application form
Step 5
Submit your application through the National Lottery Community Fund Portal
Eligible grassroots organizations in England can apply.
Can individuals apply?
No, this fund is only for organizations.
What is the maximum funding available?
Organizations can receive up to £225,000.
Is the programme open to organizations outside England?
No, only organizations based in England are eligible.
How long does the decision process take?
Decisions are expected within approximately 21 weeks.
CareerFlora Expert Insight
The Step Forward Fund 2026 offers a transformative opportunity for grassroots organizations serving Global Majority and racially minoritised communities across England.
Organizations seeking long-term sustainability, stronger infrastructure, and expanded community impact should strongly consider applying for this highly valuable funding programme.
