NLHF main grants programme re-opens

From 25 November, the National Lottery Heritage Fund begins a phased re-opening of its main grants programme, which is great news for organisations working with heritage and doing their best to respond to the changing environment triggered by the global pandemic.

Initially the NLHF will accept applications for funding for grants between £3,000 and £100,000. Phase Two Applications for higher amounts – ‘£100,000 to £250,000’ and ‘£250,000 to £5,000,000’ – will be accepted from 8 February. It has not yet announced when it will re-open for applications in excess of £5,000,000 but has stated that this will not be until 2022.

In making this announcement, the NLHF said it had revised its criteria and priorities. The Fund’s Chief Executive, Ros Kerslake explained the importance of ‘building-back’ and seizing ‘the possibilities that this trying period offers for positive change across the heritage sector.’ She also encouraged heritage organisations ‘to closely examine their existing business models and to develop new, creative and more resilient ways of operating.’

The NLHF advises that whilst all of its traditional outcomes remain very important, the Fund will seek to prioritise projects that;

• Boost the local economy
• Provide job creation and encourage skills development
• Support local health and wellbeing
• Encourage rebuilding community cohesion

It’s also important to note that applicants will need to show that they are ‘building long-term environmental sustainability and inclusion into their plans.’

If your organisation has a heritage project that meets the new NLHF criteria and you’d like help with the application process, please get in touch with one of our Directors.