The Regulator has no role in relation to applications for, or distribution of, funds for good causes. Applications for funding should be directed to the relevant Government Department.
Since its inception, the National Lottery has raised more than €6 billion for good causes.
In accordance with Section 41 of the National Lottery Act, these sums are applied as determined by Government for the following purposes:
(a) sport and recreation;
(b) national culture and heritage (including the Irish language);
(c) the arts (within the meaning of the Arts Act 2003);
(d) health of the community;
(e) youth, welfare and amenities;
(f) natural environment;
(g) Such other objectives (if any) as the Government may determine from time to time.
Applications for funding should be made via the relevant Government Department.
The following information is intended to assist an individual/organisation in determining where they should direct their enquiry regarding securing National Lottery funding.
- Sport (including Sports Capital Programme and Sport Ireland) — Funding is issued through the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport & Media. More information and applications can be made at https://www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie or at Sport Ireland.
- Arts — Funding is provided through the Arts Council of Ireland. Applications can be made at The Arts Council.
- Heritage — Funding is administered through the Heritage Council of Ireland. Applications can be made at The Heritage Council.
- Youth — Funding is provided through the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and details of the scheme can be found at Youth Affairs.
- Health — Funding is provided through the HSE National Lottery Grant, details of which can be found at HSE.
- Community — Funding is administered through the Department of Rural & Community Development and includes the Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO), details of which can be found at Funding for Voluntary Organisations, and the Seniors Alert Scheme.
- Irish Language — Funding for the promotion of the Irish language can be applied for at Language Support Schemes.