Ashford Community Lottery celebrates its first year

Since its launch in March 2022, Ashford Community Lottery has raised more than £22,000 for local not-for-profit groups.

More than £7,600 has been given away in winnings, and hundreds of people have won extra tickets too!

There are currently more than 70 local not-for-profit groups and organisations (good causes in lottery terms) signed up to the Ashford Community Lottery, as a fun and effective way to raise funds for their valued services in the community.

Players of the lottery can win weekly cash prizes up to the £25,000 jackpot for just £1 per ticket. For every £1 ticket, 60p goes directly to the good cause of the player’s choice. The remaining 40p is put towards prize money, running costs and VAT.

Here below is what some of our local good causes have to say about their first year signed up.

Kent Young Carers (Imago Community) said: “Players of the Ashford Community Lottery can have their chance to win money or prizes and know that their £1 ticket is helping local Young Carers at the same time

“It was really easy to set up our cause on the website. Being involved has two great bonuses to us, we are raising free funds and raising our profile so that people know we are here to support them.

“It doesn’t cost us anything to be on the site and the handy customisable templates for social media, website and emails make it even quicker to raise the funds. The funds raised come straight into our charity account, what could be easier than that?”

Revelation Ashford said: “We promote the lottery regularly at no extra cost to us via our newsletters, flyers at our events and word of mouth. All the money we have received to date has been so gratefully received.

“It’s such a boost when we get an email telling us how much has been deposited straight into our account, no forms to fill in, no calls to make, it’s such a great way to generate funds and help support our work.”

Singleton Spaces said: “Both local good causes and residents playing the lottery benefit from the scheme and payments are made easily and swiftly. Singleton Spaces are delighted to be part of it.”

Cllr Peter Feacey, Portfolio Holder for Policy and Performance, said: “To see the money that has been raised in Ashford Community Lottery’s first year is a testament to our residents’ support for our local groups and organisations to deliver their vital services within our communities.

“I hope more local not-for-profit groups take up this free opportunity to fundraise for their cause and I look forward to seeing the Ashford Community Lottery building on its successful first year.”

Head to the Ashford Community Lottery website to purchase tickets.

Are you a local not-for-profit group looking to diversify your fundraising income in a fun and effective way? Or do you know of a PTA, sports club, or other charity or community group that is looking for a sustainable way to raise funds?

Good causes not only benefit from receiving 60p from every £1 ticket bought through their page, they also receive a host of marketing materials as well as their own Ashford Community Lottery web page!

Not-for-profit groups can sign up for free at any time, it is so easy to do – simply visit the Ashford Community Lottery website to register.