The Poverty Truth Network is delighted to share the good news that we have been awarded funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.  

An award of £2.7 million over five years will help the Poverty Truth Network to build on the foundations of the last decade as we strive with others to deliver the dream of a UK without poverty.  

As well as continuing to do the work that we have been doing – supporting Poverty Truth Commissions and influencing policy and practice at a local and UK level – this award will help us to do new things.  

We will develop a network of Poverty Truth Commissioners; establish regional and national hubs; and work alongside creative partners who are committed to tackling the causes and symptoms of poverty.  

How we will do things will remain the same. We will continue to bring together people struggling against poverty with civic leaders and decision makers to tackle the causes and symptoms of poverty.  

“Nothing about us, without us, is for us.” These words remain the foundation of our work. Real, lasting change doesn’t happen through division or distant policymaking, it happens when we end the separation between ‘them’ and ‘us’ and come together to create a Bigger Us.  

Over the past decade, we’ve seen this in action. From the first Poverty Truth Commission in Glasgow in 2009 to more than 30 commissions today, over 800 commissioners have come together, sharing their stories, building relationships, and driving change in communities and institutions across the UK. This is not just about having a voice, it’s about shaping decisions and transforming systems.  

The funding comes from the UK Fund which supports organisations which benefit communities across the UK and are scaling up their impact. The Poverty Truth Network is grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund, and to The National Lottery players who make this award possible.