Lancaster-based champions of volunteers have received an award of more than £400,000 from the National Lottery.
Lancaster District CVS has been awarded £401,483 from the National Lottery Community Fund, ensuring continued support for local charities, volunteers, and community initiatives across the district for the next five years.
The new investment will enable Lancaster District CVS to build on its long-standing work connecting and empowering the voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise sector - helping local people make a difference in the places they live.
Over the next five years, the funding will be used to build capacity and resilience; champion volunteering; and empower communities. The organisation will continue supporting charities and community groups with training, governance, funding advice, and vital networking opportunities.
Lancaster District Volunteer Centre will continue to offer one-to-one support, guidance, and opportunities for local people to volunteer and make a difference to their communities and to themselves.
Lancaster District CVS will also be launching new, resident-led Community Action Networks (CANs), across Morecambe, giving local people the tools and confidence to lead positive change where they live.
Founded in 1972, Lancaster District Community & Voluntary Solutions exists to support the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector, ensuring these organisations are visible, valued and heard.
“This National Lottery support comes at a crucial time," said Yakub Patel, chief executive of Lancaster District CVS,
"Communities across our district are facing increasing pressures, but they’re also full of creativity, compassion and potential. This funding enables us to keep investing in people and places, helping ensure that local voices and lived experiences continue to shape decisions and opportunities across Lancaster District.”
The National Lottery investment will help Lancaster District CVS continue to strengthen community leadership, unlock further funding for local projects, and ensure that the voices of residents, volunteers, and grassroots organisations remain central to shaping the district’s future.
Mr Patel said the organisation is “deeply grateful” for the ongoing support from the National Lottery Community Fund and everyone who plays the National Lottery.
“We’re proud to be part of a movement that shows what’s possible when communities come together,” he said.
If you work with a group that needs these things but you’re not already connected with CVS, you can contact them on 01524 555900 or email hello@lancastercvs.org.uk
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