The numbers on the good causes donations from the Newark and Sherwood District Council Community Lottery

Good causes have benefited from a community lottery to the tune of £32,510.40 from 542 supporters purchasing 3,924 tickets per month in the year to May.

The Newark and Sherwood Community Lottery launched in May 2021 and has been in operation for two years.

To-date, 66 good causes have registered with the lottery and are receiving financial support through ticket sales.

“The membership target of 60 good causes in year two of the scheme’s operation was successfully achieved and the current number of registered good causes clearly demonstrates that there is continued interest in the lottery, council officers said in a report.

“The range of good causes currently benefiting from the lottery includes charities, sports clubs, community and youth groups and other ‘not for profit’ organisations, with a number generating in excess of £1,000 per year for their respective organisations.

“Currently there are 542 supporters purchasing 3,924 tickets per month which has generated £32,510.40 for the registered good causes in the second year, which compares very favourably in comparison with other community lotteries across the country.

“The district council also benefits directly from the lottery through two payment receipts each month.

“Players can choose for 50p of their £1 ticket to be donated to either a specific good cause registered with the lottery or for it to go towards the Central Fund which is held by the district council.

“In April 2023 this fund generated £326.50 for onward distribution by the council to registered good causes.

“In addition, 10p from every £1 ticket contributes towards the Operator Fund where April’s income was £392.40.”

In November 2021, members of the homes and communities committee approved a proposal to introduce a ‘lottery within a lottery’, whereby funds generated for the district council are distributed to registered good causes through a six-monthly raffle-style draw.

It was agreed that one-off awards of £500 are granted to successful groups, with the amount of awards available at each draw dependant on the total income generated into the Central Fund.

In addition, the proceeds from the Operator Fund are also shared with Good Causes after the annual operating costs are paid which in effect covers the annual Gambling Commission Licence and membership fees associated with the National Lotteries Council which the council is registered with.

In 2022 two lottery draws were held with 12 £500 awards going to 12 registered good causes as an additional income payment.

Both draws were presided over by the leader of the council and live streamed on Facebook.

The community lottery annual report was prepared for Monday’s policy and performance improvement committee and duly noted.