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How to apply v1

How to apply

If you’re thinking about applying, here’s how the process works and what to expect at each stage.

  1. Get in touch

    Before you apply, you’ll need to speak to us. We want to understand your idea and how it’s been developed.

    You can contact us by emailing wales@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk or calling our Advice Line on 0300 123 0735.

  2. Tell us your idea

    We’ll ask you to briefly outline what you want to do. You may not have all the details yet, but we’ll want to know:

    • What you want to do and why
    • The difference your idea will make
    • How people and communities are involved
    • Your organisation’s background
    • How much funding you need and for how long
    • How your idea fits with other local activity
    • How your project is innovative and strategically important

    By ‘innovative’ we mean:

    • Trying new types of activity to tackle emerging needs
    • Finding better ways to deliver existing work

    By ‘strategically important’ we mean:

    • Strengthening local systems
    • Building partnerships
    • Supporting community infrastructure

  3. Send us an outline proposal

    If we agree your idea is a good fit, you can send an outline proposal in any format – for example, a short video, email or document. If you need help, just let us know.

    We’ll get back to you within two weeks with an initial decision.

  4. Submit a full application

    If your outline is accepted, we’ll invite you to submit a full application. This will include:

    • Your detailed proposal
    • Your organisation’s information
    • Your partnership agreement (if relevant)

    We’ll send guidance to help you prepare your application. Your Funding Officer will also be on hand to advise.

    We’ll assess your application by looking at:

    • How your organisation fits with the funding priorities
    • What you want the funding to pay for
    • If it’s a new or additional activity, what it will involve, who it will help, and why it matters
    • The time period the funding would cover
    • How much funding you’re asking for, with a clear budget showing the main costs (we can’t fund unrestricted spending)

    A final decision will be made by The National Lottery Community Fund’s Wales Committee. You’ll usually hear back within 12 weeks.

  5. If you’re successful

    If your application is successful, we’ll work with you to agree:

    • Your payment plan
    • How often you’ll update us on progress
    • What assurance we need for the funding we’ve awarded

    We’ll also talk about how we can support you to:

    • Celebrate and promote your funding
    • Engage with the wider community
    • Share your learning with others

    If your application isn’t successful, your Funding Officer will explain the decision and offer feedback.