The Big Lottery Fund’s (BLF) announcement of plans for its first wave of funding within its new framework has received a mixed welcome from the sector.

The funding is worth £2.3bn, one-third of which is to be distributed via demand-led programmes. The details of these grants will be based on the BLF’s themes and outcomes and the results from the public consultation; however the emphasis will be on projects offering solutions to local problems.

Two-thirds of the money is to be allocated to a range of strategic programmes. These include £155m to both voluntary and community sector infrastructure and children’s play; £354m to environmental causes; £165m for wellbeing programmes; and £60m for international grants.

Sir Clive Booth, chair of the BLF, said that the new programmes have been created as a result of the consultation and aim to address the needs of a diverse sector. “The programme portfolio will also realise the BLF’s mission to bring real improvements to communities and the lives of people most in need,” he added.

Kevin Curley, chief executive of the National Association of Councils for Voluntary Service, described the announcement as “great news for the sector”. He said: “The BLF’s decision to launch infrastructure programmes means that community groups will get the help they need to raise funds, increase their influence in local partnerships and benefit from local Resource Centres.”

The National Council for Voluntary Organisations has also welcomed the package, however it has warned the real test will be in May when the BLF announces its demand-led programme. “This will represent the best chance many smaller organisations will have of getting their hands on some much needed lottery funding,” explained its chief executive, Stuart Etherington.

He also expressed disappointment that there hadn’t been more parliamentary time dedicated to discussing the Lotteries Bill. “Many important issues remain unresolved”, he said. “The sooner we can have a real debate about the protection of additionality and the Lottery’s independence from Government the sooner the BLF will be invested with its full powers and become a real force for good in the sector.