Practical Action receives funding boost thanks to Postcode Lottery players

Practical Action has been awarded £500,000 in funding raised by players of  People’s Postcode Lottery, awarded by Postcode International Trust. The money will innovate real-world solutions to build sustainable lives and livelihoods for people living on the frontlines of poverty and climate change.

With this funding, Practical Action will work alongside communities to develop holistic, locally owned solutions for agriculture, water and waste management, climate resilience and clean energy.

Farmers making their own organic fertiliser in Rwanda

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “We are delighted that players of Peoples Postcode Lottery have raised £500,000 for Practical Action. They are developing innovate real-world solutions to build sustainable lives and livelihoods for people living on the frontlines of poverty and climate change. The impact of player funding will have a huge effect on the services and support being provided by Practical Action.”

Rachel Hudson, Head of Fundraising at Practical Action: “We’re really thrilled that our work is being supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. I love hearing about neighbours who win the People’s Postcode Lottery. Through the players’ support, people in Africa, Asia and Latin America whose way of life is threatened by the twin challenges of poverty and climate change are now also winners. This vital funding helps us work with them to develop innovative and practical ways to be safer when climate events happen. To keep making a living, keep growing nutritious food and to live safely, even as climate change impacts are becoming more intense.”

A partnership for impact

In 2021, players of People’s Postcode Lottery awarded Practical Action £300,000 in funding. For two years, Practical Action staff in Rwanda have worked with refugees and farmers to address a series of climate change-related problems faced by the farming sector in the country.

Albert Niyonkuru shows tomatoes grown in Mahama refugee camp, Rwanda

The Climate Resilient Farming for Refugees project, supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and Kilburn and Strode, brought together farmers and refugees living in or nearby Mahama Camp, home to nearly 58,000 people.

The two groups are now growing healthy food, creating thriving businesses and protecting natural resources – a win for both people and the planet.