Research
Our research helps us to understand the value and role of heritage in modern life.
We use the latest research to explore and test ideas for future funding. For example, how heritage projects can be more inclusive, and make a difference for under-served communities.
We research and produce reports such as rapid evidence reviews, enlisting the help of consultancies and universities.
Please explore the varied research we conduct below. It might help inform your funding application.
Publications
Heritage sector is resilient to the pandemic, despite economic challenges
Organisations have a positive financial and strategic outlook, but concerns remain over staffing and the uncertainty of the economic climate.
Publications
A review of green finance in the UK
Exploring new approaches to investment in natural heritage and support for nature’s recovery.
Publications
The impact of our funding on place
The Heritage and Place research report looks into the impact of our funding for place, and how we can improve the way our funding supports thriving places across the UK.
Publications
DASH report 2021: from pandemic to future planning
The second Digital Attitudes and Skills for Heritage (DASH) survey report offers a unique insight into how the UK heritage sector's use of digital has evolved during the pandemic.
Publications
A New Reality: fundraising in a crisis
Researcher and evaluator Henrietta Hopkins, Director of Hopkins Van Mil, introduces a new report which finds that heritage endowments are a cornerstone of resilience in challenging times.
Publications
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Review report
In this report we summarise – for each of the four workstreams – what we learned over the past 12 months, what we have already achieved, and set out key actions we will take throughout 2021-2022.
Publications
Assessment of local authority heritage priorities and support needs
This report presents insights from local authorities to help deliver resilient heritage and long-term improvements to places and communities.
Publications
How can the Heritage Fund be more inclusive of under-represented groups?
We commissioned independent research to understand perceptions of our approach to equality, diversity and inclusion, and barriers to accessing our funding.
Publications
DASH report: learning from the first UK-wide digital in heritage survey
The Digital Attitudes and Skills for Heritage (DASH) survey report offers vital insight into how heritage leaders can support their staff, trustees and volunteers.
Publications
eNGO Coronavirus Impact Survey Report, March 2020
Between 20 and 24 March 2020, Wildlife and Countryside Link (Link) worked with, NI Environment Link, Scot Link and Wales Environment Link and our members to conduct a UK-wide survey of the impact of the coronavirus on the environment sector.
Publications
Economic insight into the impact of COVID-19, March 2020
This briefing summarises The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s evidence of the economic impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on heritage UK wide.
Blogs
How the coronavirus (COVID-19) is affecting the heritage sector
Our Head of Research, Data & Insight on the surveys that helped us guide our response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.