THE ROTHER Community Lottery celebrated its second anniversary last month as it continues to help raise funds for good causes across the district.
Over £60,000 has been distributed to local charities, not-for-profit community organisations, and voluntary groups since the lottery was launched by the district council in April 2022.
85 local good causes are currently signed up to the lottery.
Cllr Teresa Killeen, Rother District Council Cabinet member, said: “I am delighted the Rother Community Lottery is celebrating its second anniversary.
“The lottery’s continued success is benefitting organisations across the district including repair cafes, village halls, sport clubs, horticultural groups and bonfire societies. Each ticket sold means more funding for the local groups, charities and not-for-profit organisations who do such great work in our communities.”
50p from every £1 lottery ticket purchased goes towards good causes, and players can choose the organisation they would like to support when they purchase their tickets.
Players can also choose to donate their winnings to their chosen charity if they wish. One of the supporters of DISC Dementia Support recently donated their £250 winnings and the group said: “We are immensely grateful for the incredibly kind donation of £250 through the lottery from one of our supporters.
“We provide free support to the carers of people living with Dementia and every penny that is donated to us goes to ensuring we can still provide those services. The amazing generosity displayed by the people who support us through the Rother Community Lottery draw, especially during these difficult times, is a lifeline for community services like ours.
“Every pound spent is a genuine lifeline to those in need, a stranger’s hand reaching out to lend some help. We, and everyone we support, are so grateful.”
As well as benefitting local organisations directly, funding from the lottery also supports the council’s Community Grants programme. 10p from each ticket sold goes towards a general good cause fund which is distributed to local organisations through the council’s grants programme.
The first round of funding for this year’s Community Grants Scheme is currently open for applications, and local community groups and organisations are invited to apply to the scheme.
Applications for medium awards (up to £5,000) and large grants (up to £30,000) must be received by July 5, 2024.
In addition, small project grants of up to £1,000 each can be applied for all year round and are awarded by the Grants Panel throughout the year.
Cllr Killeen added: “The Rother Community Lottery provides direct funding support to the council’s highly successful Community Grants Scheme, thereby supporting even more local community groups, charities and organisations.
“With a Community Grant funding pot of £130,000 available this year, I strongly encourage local groups who think they may have projects that are eligible for help to apply to the scheme.”
To buy lottery tickets and support a local good cause visit www.rothercommunitylottery.co.uk/support/find-a-good-cause
Good causes can sign up for free at any time via the Rother Community Lottery website.
For more information about the Rother Community Grants Scheme and to apply visit http://www.rother.gov.uk/communitygrantscheme. Rother Voluntary Action can provide guidance and support with applications to the Community Grants Scheme.
Published: 7th May 2024
