A NEW community lottery is set to launch in Wiltshire, offering a fresh way for local charities, clubs and community groups to raise vital funds.

Wiltshire Council has announced the scheme in partnership with Gatherwell, a licensed operator which already runs similar lotteries in more than 150 council areas across the country.

The Wiltshire Community Lottery aims to provide a simple and sustainable funding stream for organisations supporting residents – at a time when many are facing growing financial pressures.

Recent research highlighted the scale of the challenge, with a 2025 survey by Wessex Community Action revealing that 58% of organisations see funding as a significant or moderate issue, while 57% say rising costs are a major concern.

Cabinet Member for Communities Cllr Mel Jacob said: “There are many groups, clubs, charities and organisations in Wiltshire that support our communities and make Wiltshire such a great place to live and work.

“This lottery will help them thrive and grow by giving them a new way to raise the funds they need.

“Players can choose exactly which local cause they want their money to support. For every £1 ticket, 50p goes directly to the players chosen good causes, with 10p to the central fund, which the council will redirect into local good causes such as via Wiltshire Area Boards.

“This scheme currently provides funding support to approximately 450 good causes across the country each year and we’re anticipating plenty to benefit in Wiltshire.”

Tickets will cost £1, with players able to buy up to 20 each week for the chance to win prizes of up to £25,000. Sales are expected to begin later this spring, with the first draw taking place in early summer.

Organisations can sign up now to take part, with the council encouraging groups of all sizes to get involved.

The lottery will operate in line with the Gambling Act 2005, and support will be available for anyone affected by gambling-related harm.

More information, including how to register, is available at www.wiltshirecommunitylottery.co.uk