£300k Distributed To Local Charities Through Magic Little Grants Fund

● 600 local charities and community groups have benefited from Localgiving’s Magic Little Grants Fund so far in 2019

● Magic Little Grants are available to groups delivering sports projects and physical activities

● Grants awarded to groups in 109 of Britain’s 120 postcode areas

● Over £200k still to be awarded before 30th November 2019 deadline

● First time grantees receive a free annual membership of Localgiving worth £96

Localgiving has awarded 600 Grants worth £300k to local charities and community groups since the launch of its latest Magic Little Grants Fund in March.

Through its Magic Little Grants Fund, funded by the players of People’s Postcode Lottery, Localgiving provides £500 grants to small, local charitable groups who deliver projects that support and inspire people to participate in sports or physical activities.

The 2019 Magic Little Grants Fund is the largest to date, thanks to an award of £550,000 from Postcode Community Trust.

Localgiving and Postcode Community Trust are delighted to have already funded charities and community groups in 109 of Britain’s 120 postcode areas. Localgiving are aiming to have distributed grants in every postcode in Great Britain before the fund closes on 30th November 2019.

With a simple 10-minute application process, the Magic Little Grants Fund reduces the work required for small, local groups to access funding.

As well as receiving a grant, successful organisations that are new to Localgiving receive a free annual membership with Localgiving worth £96. This gives them access to Localgiving’s online fundraising platform, regular match fund campaigns and competitions, and numerous fundraising resources.

New groups can register with Localgiving and apply for a Magic Little Grant here: http://grants.localgiving.org/...

Chris Dormer, Managing Director of Localgiving said: “We are delighted to have already awarded 600 grants to local charities and community groups through our latest Magic Little Grants fund. It is inspiring to see the number and range of projects that exist to help people get physically active. We are particularly pleased to have seen applications coming in from all areas of the country, from Hebden Bridge to the Outer Hebrides. We’re incredibly grateful to the players of People’s Postcode Lottery for their ongoing support of our Magic Little Grants Fund”.

• George Fyvie of Leith Community Archers, a recent recipient, said: “Magic Little Grants was a lifesaver for us. We managed to purchase a full archery kit and some modified targets for a wheelchair user. We spent what was left over on training for her to become an archery instructor as well! This has enabled her to compete in competitions and she won gold recently in a Paralympic event. This would not have been possible without the magic little grant. We now have three people in wheelchairs actually sharing the equipment!”.

• Lorna Simpson, Business Officer at Livingson Athletic Club: “We found the application for Magic Little Grants really easy. The grant came through quickly and has enabled us to deliver Grand Prix events in Livingston – giving young athletes the chance to try different events in a competitive setting at a location familiar to them as well as offering volunteering opportunities for older athletes and parents. We look forward to fundraising through Localgiving in future, helping even more young people to access and enjoy sports in our community”.

• Tom Buik of SAPC Community Sports Hub SCIO said: “The Magic Little Grant has made it possible for us to purchase team tops to bring a stronger identity to our junior basketball players, encouraging and inspiring them to progress as players, as a team and to follow our adult players to play competitively. That is magic!”

• Alison Footit of Nairn Synchronised Swimming Club said: “The Magic Little Grant will enable our club, Nairn Synchronised Swimming Club, to support some more coaches to go through their level 1 coaching course. £500 for a tiny club such as ours will make a huge difference to our training budget. Having more coaches will benefit the whole club and will be a great personal development opportunity too for those doing the course”

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “Getting out and being active has such a positive impact not only on your physical health, but also on your mental wellbeing, so I’m delighted to hear the difference that this funding is having in so many communities across the country. With over 300 grants still to be awarded by 30th November, I would urge as many groups as possible to get an application in and take advantage of this fantastic opportunity.”

Applicants for Magic Little Grants must either be in their first year of operation or have an annual income under £250,000. Preference is given to projects that encourage social cohesion and help vulnerable people to overcome barriers to participation in physical activities.

There are still over 300 grants available in this year’s fund. The deadline for applications for Magic Little Grants 2019 is midnight on 30th November 2019.

To find out more: https://localgiving.org/magic-...

For more information please visit Localgiving.org, email help@localgiving.org or call 0300 111 2340.

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For more information please contact:

Lewis Garland, Marketing and Communications Manager - lewis.garland@localgiving.org

About Localgiving

Localgiving is the UK’s leading membership and support network for local charities and community groups. It aims to empower grassroots organisations to fundraise online, connect with supporters and take control of their financial future. In addition, it provides advocacy for the local voluntary sector and works to secure third party funding for its members. It provides free training opportunities, fundraising resources and regular incentivised giving campaigns to help groups raise funds online.

People’s Postcode Lottery

● People’s Postcode Lottery manages multiple society lotteries promoted by different charities and good causes. People play with their chosen postcodes for a chance to win cash prizes. A minimum of 32% from each subscription goes directly to charities and good causes across Great Britain and internationally - players have raised £474 million so far. For details of the charities and good causes which are promoting and benefitting from the lottery draws, please visit https://www.postcodelottery.co...

● It costs £10 a month to play and winning postcodes are announced every day. The maximum amount a single ticket can win is 10% of the draw proceed. For details, please visit www.postcodelottery.co.uk/priz...

● New players can sign up to pay using direct debit by calling 0808 10 9 8 7 6 5. New players who sign up online at www.postcodelottery.co.uk can pay using direct debit, debit card or PayPal.

● Postcode Lottery Limited is regulated by the Gambling Commission under licence numbers: 000-000829-N-102511 and 000-000829-R-102513. Registered office: Titchfield House, 69/85 Tabernacle Street, London, EC2A 4BD

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