In March 2020 we were concerned that coronavirus (COVID-19) would have a significant impact on the UK’s heritage and developed a response to support organisations working in heritage.

The Heritage Emergency Fund (HEF) - launched in April 2020 - saw £49,829,600 awarded to 961 heritage organisations to help them to survive, recover, innovate and reopen.  

Five elements of our response to COVID-19 are covered in this evaluation:

• HEF grants for £3,000-£50,000
• HEF grants for £50,000-£250,000
• flexibility for current grants
• grant increases
• Register of Support Services (ROSS) Consultant support

This evaluation aims to understand whether our response to COVID-19 met the needs of organisations working in the heritage sector and, in doing so, delivered the three stated outcomes - economy, inclusion and wellbeing - set out in our Strategic Funding Framework. 

This report has been compiled by Renaisi for The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Our research and evaluation

We regularly conduct research to discover what is happening in the heritage sector, and we evaluate our work to better understand the change we are making. Read more of our insight.