Local projects hit the jackpot as the National Lottery celebrates 25 years of changing lives

Entries wanted for the National Lottery Awards

New figures reveal more than £35 million of National Lottery funding has been invested in Rochdale since the National Lottery began almost 25 years ago.

Thanks to National Lottery players, lives of ordinary people have been transformed in the area over the past quarter of a century.

More than 900 National Lottery grants have been awarded locally since 1994, helping to strengthen communities, deliver sporting success, protect the environment, unleash local creative talent and look after the elderly and those at risk.

A wide variety of local projects have received National Lottery funding over the last 25 years:

• The largest ever grant made in the area was the £1.8 million for the Greater Manchester Fire Service Museum refurbishment in 2016.
• The first ever local National Lottery grant was £76,384 to the M6 Theatre Company to buy a van and technical equipment in 1995.
• The majority of National Lottery grants are for less than £10,000 such as the £102 awarded to provide after school word-processing classes for pupils at Littleborough Community Primary School in 2006.

Jonathan Tuchner, from the National Lottery, said: “Since its launch 25 years ago, The National Lottery has helped changed lives across the UK. This tremendous work would not be possible without those who play The National Lottery and those do extraordinary things with National Lottery funding. They are transforming their community every day of the week and if you know of one that deserves recognition then please nominate them for a National Lottery Award. I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together over the next 25 years.”

Any organisation that has received National Lottery funding, has the chance to gain nationwide acclaim by entering the 25th Birthday National Lottery Awards, a search for the UK’s favourite ever National Lottery-funded projects.

National Lottery Awards winners will receive a £10,000 cash prize and national recognition at a glittering ceremony broadcast on BBC One later in the year.

To enter your favourite project in this year’s National Lottery Awards, complete an entry form through our website: 

• www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards

Entries must be received by midnight on 30 April 2019.