Celebrating the innovative buildings, transport and technology that helped to shape the modern world.
Thanks to National Lottery players, since 1994 we’ve awarded almost £590million to more than 1,400 industrial, maritime and transport heritage projects across the UK.
We want to help more people conserve their local industrial heritage. Our funding can help pass on to younger generations the skills to look after it.
What do we support?
Projects we fund include:
- printing presses
- pumping engines
- windmills
- historic ships
- locomotives
- natural landscapes transformed by industry
Project ideas
Our funding could help people:
- uncover and record people’s memories of our industrial past
- give a disused site a new purpose
- restore and maintain operating machinery
- reveal the history of industry in your area
- explore the nation's network of canals
- provide staffed visitor facilities and learning resources
- help young people learn new skills and care for their heritage
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
We have halted all new grants until at least October 2020. Organisations in need can apply for our £50m Heritage Emergency Fund. Find out more and apply.
Programme
National Lottery Grants for Heritage - £10,000 to £250,000
A funding programme for projects that connect people and communities to the national, regional and local heritage of the UK. Made possible thanks to National Lottery players. Grants available from £10,000 to £250,000.
Programme
National Lottery Grants for Heritage - £250,000 to £5million
A funding programme for projects that connect people and communities to the national, regional and local heritage of the UK. Made possible thanks to National Lottery players. Grants available from £250,000 to £5million.
Publications
Building maintenance guidance
The best way to tackle the long term care of historic buildings is to concentrate on regular preventative maintenance.
CGI visualisation of restored Newport Transporter Bridge
News
£8.75million boost for Newport Transporter Bridge
The world’s most complete surviving transporter bridge is set to become a major tourist attraction thanks to an £8.75m National Lottery grant.
Stories
Britain’s last major bell foundry saved
The restoration of Loughborough Bellfoundry, thanks to £3.45million National Lottery funding, means the bells can continue to ring out for years to come.
News
Last surviving D-Day landing craft opens in Portsmouth
Six-year project to restore ship and open it up to the public is completed thanks to £4.7million National Lottery support.
Martha having a costume fitting
Projects
Opening up the story of Northern Ireland's railways to everyone
Disability charity Destined Ltd are improving access to the Foyle Valley Railway Museum.
Disability charity Destined Ltd are improving access to the Foyle Valley Railway Museum.
News
Heritage Emergency Fund supports hundreds of organisations across the UK
Our Heritage Emergency Fund helped more than 950 organisations across the UK to cope with the challenges of the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.
Stories
Full steam ahead for Merseyside ship following emergency grant
Built in 1913, Steam Tug Kerne served as a Royal Navy ship in the First World War and is the only remaining operational steam tug of her type in the UK. But the sudden hit of coronavirus (COVID-19) meant the Kerne’s days on the water were numbered. Since her retirement as a working vessel, this coal
Alistair McNaught
Blogs
Making heritage websites accessible to all
When producing our new guide to online accessibility, Alistair McNaught’s research identified how heritage organisations can make their online content open to all. He tells us more.
Trainee Scott Dixon
News
Blyth Tall Ship kept afloat thanks to National Lottery funding
Blyth Tall Ship was awarded £37,100 from our Heritage Emergency Fund, ensuring that workshops and training opportunities could carry on. The organisation provides young people with invaluable engineering skills through heritage boat building. “We knew we were a vital lifeline for those looking for
Undergrowth, Isle of Wight Railway. Credit: John Faulkner
News
Heritage railways saved from 'serious jeopardy'
There is a light at the end of the tunnel for heritage railways stopped in their tracks by the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.