For 2026, the National Lottery has announced the launch of three new calls for projects with a total budget of €5 million to support initiatives related to sustainable development, the inclusion of people with disabilities in sport and the fight against poverty.
Funding to support high-impact initiatives
The National Lottery has announced the launch of three new calls for projects spread over 2026, with a total budget of €5 million. Three main priorities have been defined: sustainable development, access to sport for people with disabilities and the fight against poverty. These three areas reflect major societal challenges.
March: sustainable development
The first call for proposals is being launched in March and focuses on sustainable development, with a budget of €1.5 million. Environmental issues are becoming increasingly important in public debate, and the National Lottery wishes to encourage initiatives that contribute to a concrete ecological transition. The selected projects must promote transformation and innovation in this area. The aim is to stimulate sustainable models capable of having a long-term impact.
Project leaders will have to demonstrate that their actions can produce tangible improvements. Whether it be new approaches, innovative solutions or awareness-raising initiatives, the focus will be on effectiveness and the ability to bring about real change. Initiatives that raise public awareness of environmental issues will also be carefully considered.
May: parasport
In May, the National Lottery will focus its second call for projects on parasport, with a budget of €1 million. The initiative aims to promote inclusion in sport and improve access to sporting activities for people with disabilities.
In many cases, there are still numerous obstacles: inadequate infrastructure, a lack of specialised equipment, or a lack of secure storage space for equipment. These are all challenges that can hinder participation in sport. The funding programme aims to address these obstacles. Projects that make it easier for people with physical or mental disabilities to participate in sport will be particularly encouraged.
Improving infrastructure is one of the priorities. Accessible, adapted and secure facilities can transform the sporting experience for many people. Specialised equipment is also a major issue, as it often makes certain disciplines accessible.
September: the fight against poverty
The third call for projects will be launched in September and will focus on the fight against poverty and social inclusion, with a budget of €2.5 million.
The aim is to support initiatives that offer new opportunities to vulnerable groups. Associations, local organisations and citizen groups could propose projects aimed at improving the living conditions of vulnerable people. The National Lottery has stated that it wants to prioritise sustainable solutions, i.e. initiatives that do not merely respond to an immediate emergency, but seek to bring about structural change.
Initiatives that could transform communities
For organisations and associations active in the field, these calls for projects represent an important opportunity. Obtaining funding can enable them to launch an innovative initiative, expand an existing programme or improve infrastructure.
Sustainable development, inclusive sport and the fight against poverty are areas where there are still many needs. Solutions often emerge at the local level, driven by committed stakeholders. The National Lottery hopes to encourage these initiatives. By making €5 million available, the institution aims to give a boost to projects capable of generating a tangible impact.
The role claimed by the National Lottery
The National Lottery regularly reminds us that its mission goes beyond the simple framework of gaming. 100% of its profits are reinvested in projects of general interest, ranging from sport to culture and social action. In 2026, it also launched the Heritage Tombola to support Belgium’s mobile heritage.
Through these three successive calls for projects, the National Lottery wants to make 2026 a year of social transformation. One thing is certain: behind each selected project will be the hope of making a real difference to the lives of many people.