The media has frequently misreported on the recent Judicial Review regarding Sport England's position that bridge is not a sport, stating that the EBU has taken this action so that bridge is eligible for lottery funding.
Whilst it is true that bridge being recognised as a sport would offer more opportunities, and may make the process easier, a) this wasn't the main reason for taking this action, and b) there are already opportunities for clubs to seek lottery funding.
The process can be long and complicated, but determination often pays, and if you can prove you are providing a service to the local community with benefits for mental and social health, then you may be successful. Information can be found at: https://www.ebu.co.uk/cmh-data/pages/Applying%20for%20Lottery%20Funding.pdf.