The DCMS has responsibility within Government for National Lottery policy, and sets the policy and financial framework within which the distributing bodies for National Lottery grants operate.
We also sponsor the National Lottery Commission, which regulates the National Lottery game and the game operator. The Commission's duties are to protect players' interests, to ensure that the Lottery is run properly, and to maximise the amount raised for good causes.
The proceeds of the National Lottery support the arts, heritage, sport, charities and community and voluntary groups as well as supporting projects concerned with health, education and the environment.
There are currently 14 independent distributing bodies responsible for awarding Lottery grants. These bodies make their grant decisions independently of Government and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
Following the announcement that the 2012 Olympic Games will be hosted by London, an additional distribution body has been established - the Olympic Lottery Distributor.
To apply for a Lottery grant you can contact the relevant distributing body through the Lottery Funding website or by telephoning the Lottery Funding Hotline on 0845 275 0000.
Details of all the grants awarded to date can be accessed via the National Lottery Grants Search Database.
The National Lottery Bill, an important element of the Government's reforms to the National Lottery, was reintroduced on 24 May 2005. It aims to make the Lottery more responsive to people's priorities and to ensure that Lottery money goes efficiently to good causes. For further information visit the National Lottery Bill page.
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