National Lottery offers £3,000 cash prizes to exceptional funding recipients

The National Lottery has launched its annual award scheme, to give funding recipients the chance to win a further cash award.

The National Lottery Awards will hand out a £3,000 cash prizes as those who win the awards. Winners are selected from public nominations. Last year almost 5,000 nominations were made.

Any previous funding recipient, including charities, individuals or projects can be nominated.

This year the award scheme is looking to recognise work across four sections: community and charity, heritage, sport and culture, arts and film.

The National Lottery said: “There will be a special Young Hero Award for someone under the age of 18 who has gone that extra mile in their organisation. All nominees must work or act for a National Lottery funded organisation or have received National Lottery funding.

“Winners of these categories will be chosen by a judging panel made up of members of the National Lottery family and partners.

“In addition, projects from any sector who have received National Lottery funding are eligible to enter The National Lottery Project of the Year category. Sixteen shortlisted finalists will compete in a UK-wide public vote in September to claim this title.”

Last year’s community/charity award winner was Julie Morrison, founder of Scottish charity Baby Loss Retreat, which support bereaved parents.

The campaign has been launched by actress Jacqueline Jossa. She said: “I hope lots of people nominate their local heroes as they deserve to be celebrated, especially during these challenging times when many need the support more than ever.

“So much National Lottery funding goes to great causes and allows these local heroes to continue their inspirational work within our communities.”