Community heritage

Since 1994 we have awarded £590million to more than 27,600 community and cultural heritage projects across the UK.
What do we support?
We fund projects that are researching, conserving and celebrating the heritage of a community or place.
These projects could include lots of types of heritage, such as people celebrating living customs or improving a historic green space. What's most important is that the project involves and benefits the community.
Project ideas
Our funding could help people:
- research the impact of a historical event on their town, and share their findings through displays, talks and online
- investigate the names on a war memorial
- crowdsource documents and photographs linked to the LGBTQ+ community, creating an online archive and exhibition
- set up an audio trail around a range of buildings, parks and monuments in a town
- enable a youth group to research their local history and create an animated film about their learnings
For more inspiration, see the stories below or browse projects we've funded.
How to get funding
Our National Lottery Grants for Heritage programme is open for applications.

Videos
Inspiration for your heritage project

Blogs
How ‘small’ grants can make a big impact for communities

Hub
How to consider environmental sustainability in your heritage project
Stories
Celebrating the music pioneer Delia Derbyshire on Doctor Who's 60th anniversary
Projects
Hibiscus Rising: celebrating cultural heritage inspired by the legacy of David Oluwale
A community engagement programme will accompany a public artwork, Hibiscus Rising, created by Yinka Shonibare CBE RA to honour David Oluwale.
Projects
Delia Derbyshire Day: a celebration of an electronic music pioneer
This project is engaging young people with the unique heritage of early electronic music by marking 60 years of Doctor Who.
Stories
Five tips for more robust and innovative heritage organisations
Projects
Full Cycle: a history of cycling in Forest Gate
This project will look at the cycling history of Forest Gate in Newham – an important cycling epicentre in the late 19th century close to Epping Forest.
Stories
Bringing Henrietta Lacks’ story to life in Bristol
News
£800,000 funding awarded to support Newham’s heritage
Projects
Arthur Wharton: the world’s first black professional footballer and sprint champion
A new short film will share the story of the world’s first black professional footballer and the first official fastest man on the planet.
Projects
Without Fear Again: Remembering the brave men of Bo'ness
The names of the individuals on the Bo'ness War Memorial will be brought to life through the memories of the town's community.
Stories
Cocorico! Exploring the heritage in our homes

Blogs
How Walsall’s heritage is thriving
News