Investing in heritage of diverse ethnic communities
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.
Get inspiration for your project
Explore the projects below and find out more about applying for our funding.
Projects
No Man’s Land – young people uncover women’s viewpoints on the First World War
By exploring beyond nursing, young people from Bradford have discovered the range of women’s experiences and contributions in the First World War to create an inspiring publication.
Projects
The Windrush Intergenerational Project
Young people at Pentrehafod School explored the experiences of 'Windrush generations' in the UK since 1948.
Projects
In her footsteps: discovering Suffragettes in the North East
Women who live in the North East explore their region's incredible connection to the First World War and Suffrage movement.
Projects
Green Fingers: improving wellbeing through woodland skills training
The Green Light Trust improved individuals’ wellbeing using a programme of traditional woodland skills.
Projects
Windrush at 70: recording and sharing migration stories
Through its Windrush 70 and Beyond project, Kingsway Project celebrated the 70th anniversary of the ‘Empire Windrush’ by recording and sharing Caribbean migration stories.
Projects
Exploring the history of Birmingham’s Bangladeshi-owned ‘Indian’ restaurants
The history of the pioneers of Birmingham’s Bangladeshi-owned ‘Indian’ restaurants was uncovered and shared through an immersive exhibition, events, website and book.
Projects
Crossings: An exploration of less visible maritime buildings and communities in Leith
Exploring the vibrant heritage of Leith through dance and film.
Projects
Conservation and display of the Centenary Banner of Downham Benevolent Society (1785 to 1913)
Preserving part of Lancashire’s heritage for the benefit of future generations.
Projects
Passing on hobbies within the South Asian community
This intergenerational project engaged migrant women in sharing the hobbies they had enjoyed back home in the sixties and seventies, ensuring these pastimes weren't lost forever.
Projects
The Sandi Hughes archive - Liverpool's LGBTQ+ diverse community heritage on film
This project made the work of black, feminist, gay filmmaker Sandi Hughes available online and in the Liverpool Record Office.
Projects
Young people explored and shared migration stories in Luton
Young people gained new skills while preserving and raising awareness of Pakistani/Kashmiri heritage in Luton.
Projects
Embracing Africa Project
This 12-month project collected objects and historical information that are important to people and the history of their country, ranging from objects on childbirth to marriage.