Sector
Regions/nations
A remote, contemporary bird-watching tower in the middle of vast wetlands. Across a wooden causeway, two birdwatchers depart the tower.
Forsinard Flows Nature Reserve, in the Flow Country UNESCO World Heritage Site, Scotland. Photo: Euan Myles / RSPB.

News

80 years of UNESCO: how our funding protects globally important heritage sites

Thanks to the support of National Lottery players, we’ve invested more than £1billion in heritage projects of all shapes and sizes throughout the UK’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Biospheres and Geoparks.
A group of people stand in Manchester Art Gallery doing the crossed fingers.
A group of people do crossed fingers at Manchester Art Gallery.

News

Get involved in Crossed Finger Selfie Day 2025

Join us on social media on Wednesday 19 November to say a big thank you to National Lottery players for making your heritage project possible.
An aerial view of a historic country church, with soaring square tower and surrounding graveyard.

Videos

How do we support historic Places of Worship?

We provide grants from £10,000 to £10million to ensure that the heritage of churches, chapels, mandirs, mosques and more are protected and celebrated. In this video, members of our team introduce example projects and explain how to apply for funding.
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.
A pond with a bridge over it and footpath next to it on a sunny day
An old iron railway bridge has been repurposed as a footbridge over a pond, one of the many habitats created in this inner-city green space. Credit: Railworld Wildlife Haven.

News

Enter the Sustainable Project of the Year award 2026

We’re proud to sponsor the sustainability prize at the Museums + Heritage awards, celebrating outstanding projects and exhibitions that are addressing the climate crisis.
Five dancers strike a pose outside Bradford Arts Centre.
Bradford-based dancers, representing a mix of cultures, celebrate the opening of Bradford Arts Centre. Photo: Guzelian Ltd.

Stories

Putting communities at the heart of Bradford

Our support is helping local people across the district tell their stories, celebrate identity and shape a future rooted in pride and belonging.
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 guide wearing a high vis jacket shows a group of people around a lush meadow of long grass.
The Big City Butterfly project worked with partners to improve the quality and connectivity of London's green spaces, boosting habitats and connecting the community with nature. Photo: Chris O'Donovan.

News

The heritage sector wants to collaborate and innovate

This summer, we surveyed hundreds of you across the heritage sector about the challenges you’re facing and how you’re adapting to thrive.
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.