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.
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:
- revitalise buildings and provide new purpose-built facilities
- create exciting new exhibition and learning spaces
- refurbish specialist libraries, archives and galleries
- 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.
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
David Livingstone Birthplace re-opens
The birthplace one of Scotland’s most famous explorers has re-opened following a £6.86million National Lottery grant.
Site of the new marine park at Plymouth.
Credit: Chris Gorman/Big Ladder Photography
News
Heritage Horizon Awards: £50million to five life-changing projects
From the Scottish mountains to England's southwest coast, these big heritage ideas champion environmental, community and cultural heritage.
Music Gallery, Horniman Museum
News
Museums reopen in time for International Museum Day
A huge number of museums that have received National Lottery Heritage Fund support are reopening across the UK in time for International Museum Day. To celebrate, here's a selection of what's on offer.
Credit: Pete Carr
Projects
Igniting ideas and action at the International Slavery Museum
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.
Credit: Roswitha Chesher
News
The Arts and Culture Impact Fund calls for more applicants
Following the successful first £1.2million round of funding, the world’s largest creative arts impact investment fund is now launching its next round of support loans.
Blogs
LGBT+ History Month: A space in the archives
Dr Alan Butler tells us how the Plymouth LGBT+ Archive has captured important stories and continues to evolve as an active part of the community.
News
Shortlist for our sustainability award announced
Five projects have been shortlisted for a Museums + Heritage award, which recognises their outstanding environmental sustainability practices.
Stories
Black History Month: mental health and wellbeing for black workers in heritage
World Mental Health Day falls on 10 October this year, during Black History Month. To mark both occasions, we spoke with a black museum employee to share their experiences within the sector.
News
£6.5million for heritage projects in Staffordshire, Peterborough and Dudley
The projects aim to preserve key heritage sites, and will benefit a diverse range of people – from the church community to the locals of Stafford town centre. History at the Heart of Community Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Archives is receiving £3,964,000 for the History at the Heart of Community
Blogs
Museums should be like public squares - for everyone to enjoy
I have always loved learning - but museums haven't always felt welcoming to me. Many have improved, but the story's not over yet.