Not-for-profit organisations across the UK can apply for grants for projects connecting people and communities to UK heritage.
Large awards are offered for funding of between £250,000 and £10 million for projects of up to five years.
The funding can support a broad range of activities and project costs such as volunteer expenses, capital works, repairs, maintenance, conservation costs, professional fees, event costs, and the acquisition of heritage.
All projects must support the the four investment principles of the Fund which are:
- organisational sustainability
- saving heritage
- protecting the environment
- inclusion, access and participation.
Up to 10% match funding is required.
Partnerships are encouraged.
There are quarterly deadlines for Expressions of Interest. If successful at this first stage, you will be invited to make a full application, for which you will have 12 months to submit.
The next deadlines for Expressions of Interest, which should include development and delivery phases, are:
- 12 noon on 26 February 2026 – for a decision by end of June 2026
- 12 noon on 28 May 2026 – for a decision by end of September 2026
- 12 noon on 6 August 2026 – for a decision by end of December 2026
- 12 noon on 12 November 2026 – for a decision by end of March 2027.
There is also a small grant programme for applications between £10,000 and £250,000 for which there are no deadlines.
Read the full guidance and apply at the National Lottery Heritage Fund webpage.
