Museums, libraries and archives
Through preservation, exhibition and community engagement, they can bring collections, places and ideas to life. They help us to understand culture, science and history, and give us a sense of place, identity and community.
Thanks to National Lottery players, since 1994 we have awarded £2.5billion to 6,000 museum, library, archive and collection-based projects across the UK. See stories from projects we've funded below.
What do we support?
We provide grants for heritage projects from £10,000–£10million for projects led by or featuring museums, libraries and archives.
Our funding supports institutions large and small, including:
- national, local authority and independent museums, libraries and archives
- historic libraries
- community archives and oral history collections
- institutions with heritage collections
Project ideas
Our funding could help people:
- create exciting new exhibition and learning spaces
- attract new and more diverse audiences
- acquire new items and develop collections
- improve organisational resilience
For more inspiration, see the stories below, browse projects we've funded, or explore our recent Dynamic Collections campaign.
How to get funding
Our National Lottery Heritage Grants programme is open for applications.
News
Five ways museums can improve mental health and wellbeing
Projects
Liverpool Football Club's RED archive caravan tour
Over six years, a fan-led community organisation have created an extensive and evocative collection of Liverpool Football Club fans’ personal photos and stories.
News
Reimagining Reality wins Sustainable Project of the Year
Videos
Dynamic Collections: a visit to Craven Museum
News
Four projects shortlisted for excellence in environmental sustainability
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 – £10,000 to £250,000
Programme
National Lottery Grants for Heritage – £250,000 to £10million
News
The Culture Recovery Fund’s £15.5million festive boost for heritage
Publications
Making real changes in collections development
Stories
Discover fascinating heritage on display for first time
News