Have your say on how National Lottery Funding should be used.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is launching a call for evidence on the future of National Lottery good cause funding.

Individuals and organisations have until midday on Wednesday 23 September to complete the survey and help shape the priorities of the fund in the future.

Questions ask for opinions on what areas should be prioritised for funding, empowering communities and feedback on accessing National Lottery grants 

See more here.

We hear the phrase 'Impact economy' on a regular basis. In December last year the Office for Impact Economy was launched by the Government in a bid to enable closer working and better harnessing of funding and investment.

A research report by New Philanthropy Capital (NPC) and Social Investment Business splits the impact econopmy into five segments. The findings help to provide clearer understanding of the different organisations that make up the impact economy and how a range of funding structures is required. 

For some organisations, grants can be used as an initial stage towards future investment and self funding. Others will never be able to earn sufficient amounts to cover their costs.

See more here.

 JRF’s cost of living tracker, summer 2026 paints a depressing picture of living standards across the UK. Despite government policy changes and pledges, the research, carried out from early May to early June this year, shows the number of low-income families that are unable to afford the everyday essential items is increasing.

Almost half of all low income families said they had skipped or cut back on meals or gone hungry in the previous 30 days. 

Those from Black, mixed, and Asian ethnic backgrounds were most likely to be unable to afford essential items.

Under 25's are most likely to be going without essentials and over 65's reported the greatest deterioration in living standards during the past two years. 

 See more here.