FAQs

For Funds under £250,000: These decisions are made on a monthly basis at local delegated decision meetings, chaired by Heads of Investment.

For Funds between £250,000 and £5million: These decisions are made by local committees. The committees meet every three months.

For funds over £5m: Following presentation at a committee meeting, these decisions are made by the Board of Trustees. 

Remember:

Consider the four investment principles which guide all NLHF decision making through open programme funding, strategic initiatives or when entering new collaborations and partnerships.

  • Saving heritage: conserving and valuing heritage, for now and the future.
  • Protecting the environment: supporting nature recovery and environmental sustainability.
  • Inclusion, access and participation: supporting greater inclusion, diversity, access and participation in heritage. 
  • Organisational sustainability: strengthening heritage to be adaptive and financially resilient, contributing to communities and economies. 

 

Want Heritage Funding? Here's How to Nail Your National Lottery Heritage Fund Application

As someone who's helped organisations turn their heritage dreams into reality, I'm sharing some insider tips on securing National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) grants, which range from £10,000 all the way up to £10million.

First Things First - What's This Fund All About?

The NLHF has a crystal clear vision: they want heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. Think of them as the enablers of great heritage projects - whether you're looking at £10,000 for a community heritage initiative or dreaming bigger with a multi-million pound transformation project.

Understanding the Funding Scale

Let's break it down:

  • Starting at £10,000: Perfect for smaller community projects
  • Going up to £10million: For those major transformational heritage schemes

Getting Your Application Right

Start With The Vision

Before diving into the paperwork, ask yourself:

  • How does your project add value?
  • How will you care for and manage the project?
  • What makes it sustainable for the future?
  • How does it benefit everyone?

The Groundwork Phase

Before we even think about forms, I always recommend:

  • Really understanding your heritage asset
  • Getting out there and talking to your community
  • Identifying who will benefit and how
  • Planning for long-term sustainability

Pro Tips From Someone Who's Been There

  1. Align With NLHF's Vision: Make it crystal clear how your project contributes to their goal of valued, cared-for and sustained heritage
  2. Think Inclusivity: Show how your project really is for everyone
  3. Plan for the Future: Demonstrate how the benefits will continue beyond the funding period

How Can We Help?

We're here to support you in:

  • Understanding the funding criteria
  • Developing your project to match NLHF's vision
  • Creating a solid sustainability plan
  • Building in genuine community benefit
  • Maximizing your chances of success

The Big Picture

Remember - you're not just applying for funding. You're becoming part of NLHF's vision for heritage that's valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future.

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you're looking at:

  • A £10,000 community heritage project
  • A £100,000 preservation initiative
  • A £1million transformation scheme
  • Or even a £10million major heritage development

We can help you craft an application that aligns perfectly with NLHF's vision while delivering real benefits for your heritage and community.