Published on
15 April 2025
Wokingham Borough Community Lottery launch event
Charities, community groups, societies and clubs are invited to the launch event on Thursday 1 May.
Wokingham Borough Council is inviting not for profit organisations such as charities, community groups, societies and clubs to apply to register as a good cause, at the launch of its brand-new Community Lottery scheme.
The Community Lottery will support the ambitions within the Communities Vision (2025-2035) which signifies the council’s commitment to nurture a thriving, inclusive and healthy community. All good causes supported by the lottery will benefit Wokingham Borough and its residents. For every £1 lottery ticket bought, at least 50p will go to good causes.
Local businesses and organisations are also invited to the launch to find out how their support or sponsorship can help community projects in the borough. This benefits the community whilst also helping to fulfil social value commitments.
The launch takes place on Thursday 1 May at 11am until 1pm at Wokingham Town Hall in Market Place (RG40 1AS). The event is free to attend but tickets need to be registered in advance. The event will be in the main hall, located on the first floor which is accessible by lift. A light lunch will be provided.
A company called Gatherwell Ltd. are managing the lottery on behalf of the Council. Carol Devine from Gatherwell will be speaking about how the lottery works and the support on offer for good causes.
About the lottery
All good causes supported by the lottery will benefit Wokingham Borough and its residents. For every £1 lottery ticket bought, at least 50p will go to good causes. People who purchase a lottery ticket can choose a good cause to support. They can choose to direct their payment to a good cause or the Wokingham Borough Community Central Fund. Both of which benefits borough residents and the community.
Executive member for Resident Services, Inclusion and Fighting Poverty Cllr Rachel Bishop-Firth said:
“The new lottery scheme is a great example of how the council is working in partnership with the community. It will help us, together, to deliver our collective ambitions in our new Communities Vision - to help build and maintain great communities and to support our residents to live happy, healthy and independent lives.”
“The lottery will support many local organisations who provide great services to our residents. We’re looking for groups to sign up as good causes and tell us about the projects they want to raise money for. For example, you could be a local cricket club looking to purchase new equipment, a charity looking to raise funds to continue good work, a community organisation looking to purchase a defibrillator or a school looking to improve its facilities for people to use all-year-round. We are passionate about working with our brilliant community and hope to see you at the launch.”
Register as a good cause
The council is looking for not for profit organisations to apply to register as good causes. It is free to sign up. Organisations wishing to attend the event must pre-register their place on the council’s Eventbrite booking webpage.
Examples of good causes include, but not limited to:
- Charities and the voluntary community sector
- Education sector including schools and colleges
- Groups including scouts and brownies, sports, societies etc
There are many benefits of registering as a good cause, including:
- Raising awareness of your good cause
- Raising money for your projects through lottery ticket sales
- Benefitting the local community
- Demonstrating your commitment to social value and its direct impact in the borough
If you cannot make the event, but are interested in registering to apply as a good cause or would like more information, email the Community Lottery Team at: community.lottery@wokingham.gov.uk
Play the lottery
A dedicated Wokingham Borough Community Lottery website will be available and managed by Gatherwell Ltd. More information on how to purchase tickets will be announced in due course.
Tickets for the lottery cost just £1 per week with a top prize of £25,000. There is a minimum play for one month. A weekly draw takes place every Saturday evening. Match all six numbers and you win the jackpot.
All players must be aged 18 years and over.
Always play responsibly, if you need to talk to someone about your gambling, visit the Gamble Aware website.
