At The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we support all sorts of projects which explore and celebrate the heritage of diverse ethnic communities.

We want to support all communities to explore and share their heritage, enriching people’s lives and increasing the diversity of heritage workforces, leadership and audiences. That's why under our Heritage 2033 investment principles inclusion, access and participation must be part of every project we fund.

The terms we use

Some of the terms we use include:

• diverse ethnic communities, or ethnically diverse communities. In Scotland we use MECC (minority ethnic and cultural community). We have revised our usage of the term BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic).
• LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and other identities)
• Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. This describes a range of ethnic groups or people with nomadic ways of life who are not from a specific ethnicity.

We use these terms because we believe they are widely understood. Identities can be complex and intersectional, and we are also aware that for many these terms may feel inadequate or limiting. We keep the language we use constantly under review.

South Asian Heritage Month

Taking place from 18 July to 17 August, South Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity to share and celebrate the cultures and stories of communities in the UK who have roots in South Asia.  

South Asia is made up of:

• Afghanistan
• Bangladesh
• Bhutan
• India
• The Maldives
• Nepal
• Pakistan
• Sri Lanka

British South Asians have made significant contributions to modern-day British life, and have made the UK's heritage richer. The month also helps us recognise the complicated impact the UK has had on South Asian countries over hundreds of years, including colonialism, the British Empire, war and migration. 

Get inspiration for your project

Explore the projects below and find out more about applying for our funding.