The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports heritage projects across the UK through its National Lottery Heritage Grants programme, offering funding from £10,000 up to £10 million.
Investment Principles
All funding decisions are guided by four investment principles:
- Saving heritage
- Protecting the environment
- Inclusion, access and participation
- Organisational sustainability
Applications must take all four principles into account. The emphasis you place on each principle is for you to decide and demonstrate based on your project.
Two Grant Levels
National Lottery Heritage Grants £10,000 to £250,000
- No application deadlines – apply when you’re ready
- Decision within eight weeks of receiving your complete application
- Optional Project Enquiry service available for feedback before applying
- Payments typically made in three stages
National Lottery Heritage Grants £250,000 to £10 million
- Quarterly application deadlines
- Two-phase process: development phase (up to two years) and delivery phase (up to five years)
- Must first submit an Expression of Interest
- Partnership funding required: minimum 5% contribution for grants under £1m, minimum 10% for grants over £1m
- The Fund may consider grants over £10m for truly exceptional heritage projects
What They Fund
The Fund supports a broad range of heritage projects including nature and habitats, historic buildings and environments, cultures, traditions, and community memories. Eligible costs include volunteer expenses, staff posts, training, capital works, conservation, professional fees, and event costs.
Who Can Apply
Not-for-profit organisations, private owners of heritage assets (for grants £10k-£250k), and partnerships led by not-for-profit organisations.
Getting Started
Visit the National Lottery Heritage Fund website for full guidance, application questions, and to begin your application.