€7 BILLION raised for Good Causes: You Made This Possible

The National Lottery is proud to officially announce that €7 Billion has been raised by National Lottery players for Good Causes since it was established almost 40 years ago. This is a landmark milestone that reflects nearly four decades of sustained support, where contributions have translated into real outcomes across Irish communities.

These monies raised has helped thousands of Good Causes across the areas of Arts, Heritage, Sports, Health, Community, Youth and the Irish Language. This includes support for local sports facilities and club development, community centres, arts venues and festivals, heritage restoration projects, youth programmes, and health and wellbeing initiatives, all contributing to the fabric of communities nationwide.

On average, over 4,500 beneficiaries receive National Lottery Good Causes funding every year. In 2024 alone, €239.3 Million was raised for local Good Causes in communities across Ireland.     

Speaking on this milestone, National Lottery CEO, Cian Murphy said:

“Reaching €7 billion raised for Good Causes is a hugely significant milestone for the National Lottery and, more importantly, for the communities across Ireland that have benefited from this funding over the past 39 years.

Every euro raised reflects the continued support of our players and has helped to part-fund thousands of vital projects across sport, health, arts, heritage and community initiatives. It’s a powerful reminder of the positive and lasting impact Good Causes funding continues to have in towns and communities right across the country.”

Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers said:

The €7 Billion milestone is a remarkable reflection of the scale and consistency of National Lottery funding in communities across Ireland over nearly four decades.

This funding has been instrumental in enabling the development of sport, heritage, arts, youth services, health initiatives and community infrastructure in every part of the country. It has supported projects both large and small, from local facilities to national programmes, helping to build and sustain the foundations of community life across Ireland.

The breadth and reach of this funding underline its importance, with benefits felt across generations and in every county.”

Just over one week left for entries to this year’s Good Cause Legends competition

The National Lottery wants to celebrate local people and projects who are making an extraordinary, legendary difference across Ireland, with the support of National Lottery Good Causes part-funding. The National Lottery aims to recognise and reward Ireland’s greatest “Legends” throughout 2026 and beyond.

Individuals, community projects and organisations who received Good Cause part funding between the years 2021 and 2025 are eligible to apply. Entries are now open and beneficiaries can enter, check eligibility and full Terms & Conditions at https://www.lottery.ie/goodcauselegends. Entries close on Friday 22nd May.

The National Lottery is looking for Good Cause Legends across three categories:

1. Sport & Wellness Legends
2. Cultural & Heritage Legends
3. Community Legends

In total, nine ‘Legends’ will be selected, three ‘Legends’ from each category to celebrate their outstanding and legendary work in communities across Ireland. Each of the nine Legends will receive an amazing €15,000 prize and a bespoke trophy, in recognition of their exceptional impact and dedication. The nine Good Cause Legends of 2026 will be announced over the summer months.

Nearly 30 cent in every €1 spent on National Lottery games goes back to Good Causes in the areas of sport, youth, health, welfare, education, arts, heritage and the Irish Language. In total, more than €7 Billion has been raised for Good Causes since the National Lottery was established 39 years ago. In 2024 alone, €239.3 Million was raised for local Good Causes in communities across Ireland.     

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