The National Lottery began in 1994, and in the first three years of operation had distributed about £12 Billion, which included about £620 Million to sport through the Lottery Sports Fund. There are more than a hundred eligible sports for this funding, and Motor Sports is included amongst a select number for whom, for safety considerations,       applicants must be in membership of the National Governing Body and, preferably, at least one of its Regional Associations.

Whilst originally, the Lottery Sports Fund accounted for 5% of the National Lottery Fund total and comprised of only one programme - capital funding - there have been a number of direct and indirect changes since, including changes as a result of successive Government white papers which have refocussed attention on health, education and employment issues through the creation of the 'New Opportunities Fund'.  Clubs should therefore be aware that this Guideline is the subject of continuous change, A project with the best chance of success is and should contact the Lottery Sports Fund for up to date information before proceeding any specific projects. As it is anticipated that MSA Registered Club interest may mostly still focus on Capital Projects, the following guidance is given:
 

• Draw up a well defined project (minumum project value is £5,000), and bring together a team of club members with bosh personal and 'bought in' expertise to ensure a well thought out application. Obtain an application pack from the Lottery Helpline (0345 649 649) - ask for a 'sample' pack if you need to study the paperwork first, there is plenty of it that will need careful research! Completed applications are submitted to the Lottery Sports Fund direct - they will consult with the Regional Sports Bodies, Local Authorities, and, in the case of Motor Sport, the MSA afterwards. However, it is good practise for you to discuss any scheme with those bodies at an early stage, so that they may offer suitable advice and guidance prior to your finalising your submission.

   (Examples of Schemes that may or may not be eligible for funding are available here).
• A project with the best chance of success is likely to demonstrate a strong commitment in the following areas:

---- Increasing participation in our sport
---- Including provision for 'target groups' (Women, Young People, Minority Groups, Disabled)
---- Involving the local community where the project is based
---- Demonstrating a potential for benefiting other sports than our own.
• The percentage of grant aid available for a project can be as high as 90% in certain limited geographical areas, but in general applying Clubs would be expected to find a contribution to the total cost of the project of at least 35% , with a target of 50% (note that this may include an allowance for any voluntary labour available).  Your securing' independent funding in excess of 50% would further enhance the quality of your application.
• The Shenstone & District Car Club was the first motor club in the UK to receive a grant from the National Lottery Sports Fund (to upgrade their Curborough Sprint Course).  When we asked them for tips to help future applications they responded thus:

1. Draw up a well defined project
2. Make sure that your application form is fully and properly completed
3. Ensure that you can raise your Club's proportion of funding
4. Look for working partnerships with other sports
5. Liaise with all relevant agencies before submitting your application.

Note: Whilst the Lottery Sports Fund operates throughout the UK, there may be detail differences to the availability and admissibility of programmes in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.  For the latest up to date information and guidance, contact your Home Country Sports Council's Lottery Administrator.

Examples of capital schemes that could be eligible for lottery funding

Essential to participation

Purchase of land/facilities;

Purchase of major, permanently based equipment serving a single sport, which should be part of the initial capital expenditure in the Lottery application;

Changing accommodation, showers, toilets for participants (not spectators).

Support Facilities

Conforming to sports development plan for the sport and/or area;

Restricted to certain locations in line with sports plan or strategy.

Examples of schemes not eligible for lottery funding - and why

Transport - buses, vans, etc (Life expectancy is too short and it is difficult to monitor use);

Support facilities
(When they are not essential and integral to the sports use of the facility);

Personal equipment
(Not a lasting asset, nor of wide enough community benefit);

Buying land or facilities for future use or development
(This does not constitute the development of a specific or immediate project).