Funds for Early Childhood Development charities

THE National Lotteries Board (NLB) officially invited applications for funding from charity organisations involved in early childhood development, Charlotte Mampane, the Chief Executive Officer of the NLB announced on December 10.

Charities traditionally receive 45 percent of the nearly R2 billion annual funding pool, which represents the largest share of funds available to the NLB for distribution to qualifying organisations.

Mampane says the funding allocation is targeted towards infrastructure development projects for Early Childhood Development centres.

“Preference will be given to applications from Early Childhood Development centres in specific priority areas and organisations that advance rural, under-privileged and poor communities to support development in the 0-5 years age group,” says Mampane.

Established ECD centres can apply for up to a maximum of R3.8 million for project management of new infrastructure over a period of two years.

Mampane says applications from new or existing beneficiaries are welcomed. “However, the NLB will naturally insist that all beneficiaries submit the necessary mandatory documents, in order to be considered for funding,” added Mampane.

The closing date for submission of applications is Friday, February 13, 2015. Late applications will not be considered.

For more information, applicants are encouraged to contact the NLB call center on 08600 65383 or visit www.nlb.org.za/charities