Get advice from heritage grantees

Get advice from heritage grantees

Young volunteers at the wheel of a ship out at sea on a sunny day.
Blyth Tall Ship has created inspiring volunteer opportunities in the north east. Photo: Colin McLean Photography.
Some of the best tips for planning and running your project often come from people who've been there and done it before.

We want to demystify the project application and delivery process and share experience across the heritage sector.

Our grantee Q&As bring together guidance and inspiration from successful heritage projects of all shapes and sizes.

Hear from project managers across the UK reflecting on the ups and downs, what they've learned and what they'd do differently next time.

Explore the Q&As below, or for more advice on how to navigate each stage of your project, explore our good practice guidance.

For bespoke support, get in touch with your local Heritage Fund team or complete a Project Enquiry.
 

A podcast episode is being recorded in a studio designed to feel like a cosy living room, with three SWI members talking to a host.
Recording a podcast episode with SWI members Maz Thorn, Janettte McKirdy and Sandra MacArthur. Photo: Scottish Women's Institutes.

Stories

Grantee Q&A: preparation is critical to every stage of your heritage project

It’s a big challenge to capture and share over a century of community history. Scottish Women’s Institutes (SWI) CEO Diane Cooper tells us what she’s learned from developing and delivering its unique heritage programme.
Two women, sat at the bar of a cosy pub, raise their glasses and smile at the barman.
The restored pub has become a focus for socialising and a hub of key community facilities. Photo: Ty'n Llan.

Stories

Grantee Q&A: collaboration and contingency key to community project success

Siôn Jones, project manager for the restoration of the Grade II listed Ty’n Llan Tavern near Caernarfon, shares what he’s learned throughout the process – from the importance of meticulous planning to managing the day-to-day surprises of delivery.
Young volunteers at the wheel of a ship out at sea on a sunny day.
Blyth Tall Ship has created inspiring volunteer opportunities in the north east. Photo: Colin McLean Photography.

Stories

Grantee Q&A: the importance of collaborating, learning and adapting

We asked grantees from the Highlands to the Midlands to share their reflections and advice on the different stages of their journey with us – from application, through delivery, to evaluation.
A group of men and women in high vis jackets and outdoor attire gather around a newly built bench on a wooded hillside.
A community group build benches as part of the Lost Peatlands project. Photo: Neath Port Talbot Council.

Stories

Grantee Q&A: how to build a compelling project narrative

Richy Pulman from Neath Port Talbot council shares lessons learned during its Landscape Connections project – from how to make your application easy to understand, to the importance of asking for help.
Twimukye Mushaka smiles whilst looking at a portrait of herself on display.
A portrait of Twimukye Mushaka, by photographer Karen Gordon, featured in the project's exhibition highlighting migrant stories in Scotland.

Stories

Grantee Q&A: building a platform for a community's heritage

Nazek Ramadan from Migrant Voice shares her reflections and advice on the different stages of their project’s journey – from the challenges of the application process to the joys of providing amazing opportunities for their community.
An illuminated replica of the ship Queen Elizabeth floats on the park lake at night.
The original illuminations captured the imaginations of local people and visitors from around the UK. Photo: Whittle Productions.

Stories

Grantee Q&A: illuminating Leamington's festival of light

We asked Carole Sleight and David Clargo, co-directors of Whittle Productions, to share what they learned from delivering a unique oral history project in their local community.
A project group of seven people pose for a photograph in front of the Hear of Midlothian Memorial Clock. Karen Mailley stands at the centre of the group, holding a Heritage Fund branded roundel.
Karen and the project team gather to celebrate the launch of the Maroon Mile at the Heart of Midlothian Memorial Clock, in the city's Haymarket.

Stories

Grantee Q&A: mapping community history in the heart of Edinburgh

Karen Mailley from Heart of Midlothian Football Club shares reflections and advice from their recent heritage project – from the value of working with the local community, to how detailed early planning can help you to anticipate challenges.
A group of volunteers pose behind some newly planted saplings, which are protected with tubing.
Hedge planting at Culgaith. Photo: Eden Rivers Trust.

Stories

Grantee Q&A: the value of collaboration and planning

We asked Elizabeth Radford from the Eden Rivers Trust to share what she’s learned on the Trust’s project journey – from the vital importance of the development phase to the surprises that unfold over years of delivery.

If you query is regarding our application portal, please contact our support team.