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The charity making life better by water

Have your say on the future of National Lottery Good Causes funding

We're encouraging people and communities to have their say on the future of National Lottery Good Causes funding.

A woman cycles away along a gravel towpath with a brown dog by her side, with the canal to her left.

National Lottery funding has made a huge difference to people and communities across the UK and has supported our work to care for canals and rivers for many years.

The UK Government has launched ‘Fund What Matters to You’, a national call for evidence asking people, communities and organisations what they think National Lottery Good Causes funding should support in the future.

Supporting our canals and communities

As the charity caring for 2,000 miles of canals and rivers across England and Wales, we've seen first-hand the difference National Lottery funding can make.

Over the years, support from National Lottery distributors and partners, including National Lottery Heritage Fund, National Lottery Community Fund, Sport England and Arts Council, has helped us deliver projects and programmes across our waterways, protecting and celebrating our living heritage, creating better places for nature, supporting healthier and more connected communities, and helping more people experience and enjoy our canals.

We welcome the opportunity for people and communities to share what matters to them and their views on where National Lottery funding can make the greatest difference in the future.

What is the call for evidence?

The consultation asks people about the causes they value, how National Lottery Good Causes funding should be distributed, the balance between national and local investment, and how communities can have a greater say in funding decisions.

Have your say

The call for evidence is open to individuals and organisations and closes at midday on 23 September 2026.

Last Edited: 1 September 2026

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