As one of the bloodiest military battles in the First World War, it left great scars across society. On its Centenary, HLF is keen for groups across the UK to apply for funding so they can explore this impact.

The money is available through HLF’s community grants programme First World War: then and now. £4million is available in 2015/16, as grants of between £3,000 and £10,000. The Government announced the extra funding in July as part of its plans for the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme in 2016.

Find out how to apply for this funding  on the First World War: then and now programme page.

The Battle of the Somme, also known as the Somme Offensive, was a battle of the First World War fought by the armies of the British and French empires against the German Empire. It took place between 1 July and 18 November 1916 on both sides of the River Somme in France. It was one of the largest battles of the First World War, in which more than 1,000,000 men were wounded or killed.

What we have funded so far

HLF has invested more than £70m to over 1,300 projects across the UK marking the Centenary of the First World War. This funding has reached almost 80% of parliamentary constituencies and almost 90% of local authorities. 

Thousands of young people and communities throughout the UK have already been involved in activities marking the Centenary such as:

• researching and recording local heritage
• conserving and finding out more about war memorials
• using digital technology to share the fascinating stories they uncover

This new money will help even more people get involved to explore a greater range of stories including those surrounding the Battle of the Somme.