Deadline: 31-Dec-2026
The Solidarity Fund by the National Lottery Community Fund provides long-term funding of £1 million to £5 million for organisations in England tackling systemic inequality. The programme supports community-led initiatives, focusing on poverty, discrimination, disadvantage, and sustainable systems-level change. It prioritises projects that empower those with lived experience to drive lasting social impact.
What is the Solidarity Fund?
The Solidarity Fund is a long-term funding programme designed to support organisations working to address the root causes of inequality in England. Unlike short-term grants, it focuses on:
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Strengthening community power
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Shifting decision-making structures
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Promoting equity-driven systemic change
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Supporting collaboration across diverse communities
The fund encourages ambitious projects that tackle the underlying causes of poverty, discrimination, and disadvantage rather than only addressing immediate needs.
Funding Details and Duration
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Grant Range: £1,000,000 – £5,000,000
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Funding Period: 5 to 10 years
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Purpose: Enable organisations to scale impact, influence policy, and strengthen community leadership
Who is Eligible?
Eligible organisations include:
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Constituted voluntary or community organisations
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Registered charities and charitable incorporated organisations
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Not-for-profit companies limited by guarantee
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Community interest companies and co-operative societies
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Community benefit societies
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Partnerships with a proven track record of collaborative work in tackling inequality
Requirements for Applicants:
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Demonstrated capacity to manage large, long-term funding
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Established relationships and trust within communities
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Commitment to community-led governance, ensuring those with lived experience of inequality shape decisions and strategy
What the Fund Supports
Projects should:
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Focus on systemic change rather than short-term interventions
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Empower communities to lead, organise, and influence
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Address root causes of inequality, such as:
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Poverty
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Disadvantage
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Discrimination
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Build organisational capacity to deliver sustainable, long-term impact
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Encourage collaboration and cross-community solidarity
How to Apply
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Prepare a Detailed Proposal: Include your long-term vision, target communities, and planned systemic change outcomes
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Demonstrate Community Leadership: Show how people with lived experience will guide the work
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Provide Evidence of Organisational Capacity: Include governance structures, financial management systems, and prior project delivery
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Submit Through Official Channels: Follow National Lottery Community Fund guidance for the Solidarity Fund 2026
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Review and Selection: Applications are assessed on impact potential, sustainability, equity focus, and organisational readiness
Why It Matters
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Promotes deep, sustainable social change rather than short-term fixes
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Centres lived experience in leadership and decision-making
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Strengthens community organisations to lead action on inequality
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Encourages collaborative efforts across sectors and communities
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Aims to build a fairer, more inclusive society in England
Tips for Applicants
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Highlight measurable outcomes and long-term impact indicators
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Show clear links between project activities and systemic change goals
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Engage community stakeholders early in project design
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Demonstrate how funding will leverage existing networks and partnerships
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Present robust financial and operational plans for multi-year funding
FAQ
1. What types of projects are eligible?
Projects must focus on systemic inequality, including poverty, discrimination, and disadvantage, and aim to create long-term social change.
2. Who can apply for the Solidarity Fund?
Constituted voluntary or community organisations, registered charities, not-for-profits, community interest companies, co-operatives, and eligible partnerships.
3. How much funding can an organisation request?
Applicants can request between £1 million and £5 million to be spent over 5–10 years.
4. Does the fund require community involvement?
Yes, projects must be community-led, with people with lived experience of inequality playing a central role.
5. Can partnerships apply?
Yes, partnerships can apply if they demonstrate a track record of collaborative work addressing inequality.
6. What is the focus of funded work?
Funded work should create long-term systems-level change, influence policy, build community power, and address structural inequalities.
7. Are short-term projects eligible?
No, the fund prioritises sustainable, long-term initiatives rather than temporary or one-off interventions.
Conclusion
The Solidarity Fund represents a transformative opportunity for organisations in England to drive lasting change, empower communities, and tackle the root causes of inequality. By investing in community-led, systems-focused initiatives, the fund enables organisations to deliver long-term impact, foster equity, and strengthen social cohesion across the country.
For more information, visit The National Lottery Community Fund.
