Dudley Council is set to introduce its own online community lottery, a move designed to channel additional funding into local good causes and community events across the borough. The proposal, which will be debated at a cabinet meeting on August 13, aims to create a sustainable, voluntary fundraising stream that could generate up to £150,000 extra each year.
How the Lottery Would Work
The initiative, detailed in a report signed by Anne Boyd, Dudley's director of growth and infrastructure, outlines a model where residents can purchase tickets online, with half of all proceeds going directly to the good causes they choose to support. This structure ensures that community groups and charities benefit directly from local participation.
According to the report, the lottery is not intended to replace existing grants or statutory funding but to complement them, providing an additional avenue for organisations to diversify their income and secure unrestricted funds. Participation is entirely voluntary, with residents deciding whether to buy tickets and which causes to back.
Distribution of Funds
Beyond the 50% allocated to good causes, ten percent of the revenue will be paid to the council for the Dudley Community Celebrations Fund. This fund is expected to distribute around £2,500 per ward annually, though the exact amount will depend on overall lottery sales. The remaining funds are split: 18.2% for prizes, 18.2% to cover running costs, and 3.6% for VAT.
The council plans to appoint Gatherwell Ltd, a private company experienced in operating lotteries for local authorities, charities, and schools, to manage the scheme once a lottery licence is secured. Gatherwell will provide a fully managed service, including operational delivery, compliance, platform management, marketing, and reporting.
Support and Promotion
To maximise participation, the council will work with Dudley Council for Voluntary Service to raise awareness and promote the lottery across the local voluntary and community sector. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that as many residents as possible are aware of the opportunity to support their chosen causes.
The report emphasises that the lottery offers a new, optional fundraising opportunity, helping local organisations become more resilient and less reliant on traditional funding streams. If approved, the scheme could be operational within months, bringing a fresh source of support to Dudley's vibrant community landscape.
