The Big Changes

What's New from March 2025:

• Application cut from 45 to 18 questions (60% reduction)
• Decision time: Reduced from 20-26 weeks to 12-14 weeks
• Multi-year default: Grants under £100K now 2-3 years standard (was 1 year)
• Unrestricted available: 40% of funding can be unrestricted/core
• Simplified reporting: Annual reports down from 12 to 6 pages

Application Process Overhaul

Side-by-side comparison of old vs new application:

Section	Old Process	New Process
Organizational Info	8 detailed questions	3 questions (pulled from Charity Commission)
Project Description	1,500 word limit	500 words (bullet points accepted)
Budget Detail	Line-by-line breakdown	Category totals (detailed breakdown optional)
Outcomes & Evidence	6 questions, 2,000 words	3 questions, 800 words
Safeguarding	Upload full policies	Confirm you have policies (spot-check later)

Priority Shifts for 2025

While simplifying applications, NLCF is sharpening strategic focus:

📈 Growing Priorities

• Climate action & community resilience
• Tackling loneliness & social connection
• Financial resilience & cost of living support
• Youth voice & power-shifting

⚠️ Lower Priority

• One-off events without sustained impact
• Awareness campaigns only
• Capital projects without clear community benefit
• Services replacing statutory provision

What This Means for Applicants

For First-Time Applicants

Simpler process significantly lowers barriers. Organizations that previously found 45-question application overwhelming should reconsider.

For Experienced Applicants

Shorter doesn't mean less competitive. Strong, concise applications will stand out even more. Verbose waffle will be penalized.

For Small Grants (Under £10K)

Proportionate approach: Applications under £10K have just 12 questions. Expect decision in 8 weeks.

The Trust-Based Philosophy

Changes reflect fundamental shift in funder mindset:

NLCF CEO Quote:

"We're moving from 'prove you're trustworthy' to 'we trust you unless evidence suggests otherwise.' Communities know what they need better than we do."

Less upfront bureaucracy: Lighter applications, spot-check compliance later
Longer-term relationships: Multi-year commitments, simplified renewals
Learning focus: Reporting emphasizes what you learned, not just what you did
Flexibility built-in: Can adapt projects without re-approval for minor changes

Implementation Timeline

March 1, 2025

New application form goes live. Old form remains available until May 31.

June 1, 2025

All applications must use new form. Old form retired.

September 2025

New reporting format implemented for grants awarded after this date.

Strategic Advice

How to Adapt:

✓ Don't wait: Use new form from March 1 (faster decisions)
✓ Embrace brevity: Clear, concise applications will stand out
✓ Request multi-year: Default to 2-3 years for sustainability
✓ Ask for unrestricted: 40% core funding available if you make case
✓ Align with priorities: Climate, loneliness, financial resilience favored

Conclusion

National Lottery's changes represent biggest shift toward trust-based philanthropy by major UK funder. Organizations that embrace simpler, more strategic approach will benefit from faster decisions and longer-term relationships.

Quick Summary

✓ Application questions cut from 45 to 18 (effective March 1, 2025)
✓ Decision time reduced from 20-26 weeks to 12-14 weeks
✓ Multi-year funding (2-3 years) now standard
✓ 40% unrestricted funding available
✓ Priorities: climate, loneliness, financial resilience, youth voice
✓ Trust-based philosophy: lighter applications, learning-focused reporting

National Lottery Slashes Application Length by 60%