New figures reveal that more than £761 million of National Lottery funding has been invested in Birmingham since the National Lottery began almost 25 years ago.

Thanks to National Lottery players, lives of ordinary people have been transformed in Birmingham over the past quarter of a century. More than 8,600 National Lottery grants have been awarded since 1994, helping to strengthen our communities, power our sports teams, protect the environment, unleash local creative talent and look after the elderly and those at risk.

A wide variety of local projects have received National Lottery funding over the last 25 years:

  • Large grants have gone to Birmingham City Council, who received £1.9 million for the Indoor Athletics Centre and the University of Birmingham were awarded £2 million for the New Sports Centre.
  • Most National Lottery grants, however, are for £10,000 or less:
    • £9842 to Suited for Success, a charity which provides essential moral support along with free second-hand suits and workwear to help unemployed men and women make a great first impression in a job interview .
    • £195,000 to Man V Fat. MAN v FAT Football, is a free-to-play weight loss football league. The scheme combines the beautiful game with easy to follow dietary and lifestyle advice as well as online and offline support. Before each game, a weigh-in takes place followed by a 30 minute six-a-side football match.
    • £3,300 to Birmingham International Film Society for the Human Rights Film Festival.
Jonathan Tuchner, from the National Lottery, said: “Since its launch 25 years ago, The National Lottery has changed lives the length and breadth of the UK. As I walk around my neighbourhood, I’m astonished at how many projects and organisations the National Lottery has funded – from helping people who have mental health issues to keeping teenagers out of trouble with free after school clubs”

“It’s all down to local people who choose to do incredible things with National Lottery funding, changing their communities for the better, step by step. I look forward to what we can achieve together over the next 25 years.”

From today, any organisation that has received National Lottery funding, has the chance to gain nationwide acclaim by entering the 25th Birthday National Lottery Awards – our search for the UK’s favourite ever National Lottery-funded projects.

National Lottery Awards winners will receive a £10,000 cash prize and national recognition at a glittering ceremony broadcast on BBC One later in the year.

Last year, Fiona Coldron won the Special Achievement Award for her work with her family run charity ‘Something To Look Forward To.’  The charity supports thousands of families affected by cancer and the resulting financial hardship by providing 'gifts' and 'experiences' that have been donated by individuals and businesses.

Fiona said: “As a result of the National Lottery Award, ‘Something To Look Forward To’ has received both local and national press coverage which has resulted in us reaching and supporting more people affected by cancer. We also received new gift and experience donations including a flight in a helicopter as well as long term financial donors, both of which are imperative for our vital service to continue.”

Fiona’s daughter Francesca who also works for the charity added, “Seeing my mum win the National Lottery Award was one of the best moments of my life. I hope it motivates other people living with cancer to achieve big things despite their diagnosis.”

To thank National Lottery players for making these achievements possible and to celebrate the massive difference The National Lottery has made – and continues to make – to lives of people across the UK, the National Lottery is working on a range of plans in the run-up to the 25th Birthday in November.