The upper limit of the National Lottery Grants for Heritage has been increased to support larger-scale heritage projects across the UK.
When the Heritage Fund launched its 10 year strategy, Heritage 2033, it acknowledged that the £5m grant threshold – which has been in place for over 20 years – was limiting opportunities for some initiatives to come forward. It wants to invest in more ambitious heritage projects that share its belief in the power of heritage to bring people together, build pride in place and connection to the past.
2023–2024 is a transition year ahead of full implementation of Heritage 2033. Changes will be made to the funding approach in stages. The first change – from 30 May – is increasing the amount you can apply for to £10m.
Seeking ambition and innovation
Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We want to support the best, most ambitious and innovative heritage projects across the UK. We know that inflation and the cost of living crisis is making that difficult under our current threshold.
“Increasing our grants to £10m means we can support projects which have greater scale and reach, and deliver our vision for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone’s future.
“We may also consider investing above this threshold for truly exceptional heritage projects.”
How to apply
The application and decision making process will remain the same as the previous grants from £250,000 to £5m. Applications received this year will be assessed on the criteria of the current Strategic Funding Framework 2019-2024.
However, due to the timelines involved in developing projects at this scale, you will be asked to consider the new Heritage 2033 investment principles:
- saving heritage
- protecting the environment
- inclusion, access and participation
- organisational sustainability
You will need to submit a supporting document of 500 words or less outlining how your project will respond to all four principles.
Next steps
Explore the application guidance for National Lottery Grants for Heritage from £250,000 to £10m, and contact your local office if you have any further questions.
Heritage 2033 concisely sets out the Heritage Fund’s overarching principles and ambitions for the next decade. In July, the first of a series of delivery plans will be released. They will provide further detail on how National Lottery funding will be invested over the years ahead. Until then, please continue to apply for grants using the current guidance and outcomes.