Museums, libraries and archives
Museums, libraries and archives tell the stories of our cultural heritage.
Through the objects, collections, film, documents and oral histories they hold they help to give us a sense of place and identity.
Thanks to National Lottery players, since 1994 we have awarded over £2.2bn to more than 5,600 museum, library, archive and collection-based projects across the UK.
Dynamic Collections
Our Dynamic Collections campaign supports collecting organisations across the UK to become more inclusive and resilient, with a focus on engagement, re-interpretation and collections management.
It brings together project funding through our open programmes, digital resources and knowledge sharing.
Find out more about Dynamic Collections.
What do we support?
Our funding supports institutions large and small, including:
- national and local authority museums, libraries and archives
- historic libraries
- community archives
- institutions with heritage collections
Project ideas
Our funding could help people:
- create exciting new exhibition and learning spaces
- attract more diverse audiences
- interpret and open up acquisitions
- develop collections
How to get funding
Our National Lottery Grants for Heritage programme is open for applications, with refocused priorities for 2021-22.
Children enjoying an exhibition at Seven Stories, Newcastle upon Tyne
Hub
Dynamic Collections
Our new campaign supports collecting organisations across the UK to become more inclusive and resilient with a focus on engagement, re-interpretation and collections management.
News
Help us shape the future of heritage funding and strategy
We’re building a new research panel, bringing together people from across the heritage sector, to share views and knowledge and influence our work.
Hub
How to consider environmental sustainability in your heritage project
We expect the highest standards of environmental sustainability in all the projects we fund – and there are lots of ways to get started.
Design visual of the Natural History Museum garden. Credit: Feilden Fowles and J & L Gibbons
News
£3.2million for the Natural History Museum’s Urban Nature Project
A major project will support wildlife in London and other UK cities through a biodiverse green space, scientific innovation and engaging young people.
News
David Livingstone Birthplace re-opens
The birthplace one of Scotland’s most famous explorers has re-opened following a £6.86million National Lottery grant.
160-million-year-old crocodile skull.
Credit: Bath Royal
Stories
Discover fascinating heritage on display for first time
An unseen Turner painting is among a range of heritage objects to go on display for the first time thanks to National Lottery funding.
Credit: Pete Carr
Projects
HHA2019 International Slavery Museum: Igniting Ideas and Action
The International Slavery Museum in Liverpool will be transformed from a collection of galleries into a prominent museum, the first of its kind in the UK.
Getting work experience curating the 'Museum in a Jar' exhibition
Blogs
Kick the Dust Norfolk Journeys: helping young people into work
To celebrate World Youth Skills Day, discover how a heritage-themed work experience programme is helping young people to develop crucial skills and secure employment.
Marquess of Anglesey's Column
News
Latest National Lottery funding opens up access to heritage
More than £14million has been awarded to projects that will help a wider range of people benefit from heritage.
News
Reimagining Reality wins Sustainable Project of the Year
Interactive science exhibition took home the Heritage Fund-sponsored category at the Museums + Heritage Awards.
Videos
Dynamic Collections: a visit to Craven Museum
Take a look at how the museum opened up its collections and worked closely with the community.
A World of Good exhibition
News
Four projects shortlisted for excellence in environmental sustainability
Low-carbon renovations and exhibitions featuring recycled materials and strong environmental messages recognised in this year's Museums + Heritage Sustainable Project of the Year shortlist.
Projects
Touching Stitches: embroidery access for the blind
This innovative project explored ways to enable blind and partially sighted people to access the Edinburgh College of Art’s historic textile collection, which spans over three centuries.
Programme
National Lottery Grants for Heritage – £3,000 to £10,000
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 £3,000 to £10,000.
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.
Programme
Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage – Emergency Resource Support
Part of the rescue package announced by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to safeguard cultural and heritage organisations across England from the economic impact of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Heritage Minister Nigel Huddleston's visit to grantee Alexandra Palace. Credit: Lloyd Winters
News
The Culture Recovery Fund’s £15.5million festive boost for heritage
Nearly 140 heritage organisations across England will benefit from the government’s latest round of funding, helping to achieve financial sustainability for 2022.
Curator Edith Ojo in front of Aso-oke, a Celebration of Style display case. Credit: James Pike, Royal Pavilion & Museums, Brighton & Hove
Publications
Making real changes in collections development
Understanding the impact of our Collecting Cultures programme, and a look ahead to our new campaign, Dynamic Collections.
Sustainability award 2021 winner: Penzance Jubilee Pool
Stories
Could you be the Sustainable Project of the Year 2022?
The National Heritage Lottery Fund is sponsoring the sustainability category at the Museums + Heritage Awards for a third year running – entries are now open for 2022.
Basic Page
How we're tackling climate change
In our corporate plan we have committed to play our part in tackling climate change – both within our organisation and in our grant giving.