NICVA Congratulates The National Lottery on 18 Years of Supporting the Sector

Seamus McAleavey, Chief Executive of NICVA, the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action has congratulated the BIG Lottery on its 18 years of work in Northern Ireland.

Over the past 18 years £900million of the National Lottery’s funding has been distributed in Northern Ireland, and this has made a real difference to people’s lives here. Seamus commented, “When the Lottery was first introduced we could see it had the potential to make a real difference. Over the past 18 years they have made 18,000 grants in a wide range of areas including arts, sports, education, and the environment and this funding has been invaluable to the voluntary and community sector here.

“Some of our best known landmarks including the Odyssey Arena, The Ulster Museum and The Playhouse in Derry have received funding that has helped them shape, grow and develop their work. But we shouldn’t forget that 70% of the grants they make are for £10,000 or less and these small grants have the potential to make a huge difference."

He continued, “Lottery funding has allowed groups to think creatively about how they can make a real change, and it has helped and supported groups through some particularly difficult social and economic times. I would like to take this opportunity, on their 18th birthday, to thank them for this valuable contribution to the Northern Ireland community.”

Over £30million is raised each week by the National Lottery. Grants are made under a variety of themes including arts, sports, heritage, education, environment, health, charity and voluntary projects. Lottery funding in Northern Ireland is distributed by The Heritage Lottery Fund, The BIG Lottery Fund, Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Sport Northern Ireland.

 

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