This landmark funding amount includes a recent grant of £250,000 awarded to North East Lincolnshire Council for The Dynamic Understanding of the Natural Environment (DUNE) project as part of our Heritage Places initiative.

This project will protect the natural heritage of the Cleethorpes coastline, including natural salt marshes and sand dunes which are at risk from climate change and increased coastal recreation activities. It will invest in skills and capacity to build knowledge, develop activities and protect the most sensitive areas of the site.

We know that when our investments contribute to the long-term vision for a place, the benefits can be profound and long-lasting for its local community, visitors, and economy. 

Helen Featherstone, Director of England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund

Impact of our funding in North East Lincolnshire

Other projects we’ve funded across the area demonstrating the breadth of local heritage include:

• The Faraway CIC received £6,000 for their Neurodiversity through the ages project to educate local communities about neurodiversity throughout human history
• Synergy Community Interest Company was awarded £9,999 to work with young people from under-served backgrounds and the LGBTQ+ community to uncover the history of fish and chips in Grimsby and Cleethorpes
• Grimsby Youth Zones received £2.7m to restore, refurbish and extend existing buildings at the town’s Grade II listed West Haven Maltings site, welcoming up to 5,000 young members
• Linkage Community Trust was awarded £3.5m to restore and renovate three historic buildings on the Weelsby Hall estate, creating a training hub, new interpretation and sensory experiences

Targeting heritage-led regeneration

Between 2019–2024, North East Lincolnshire was an Area of Focus receiving targeted support for heritage projects. Since 2023, it has been one of our Heritage Places, an initiative to boost local economies and instil pride in places across the UK.

Helen Featherstone, Director of England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We believe in the power of heritage to create positive and lasting change, now and in the future. We know that when our investments contribute to the long-term vision for a place, the benefits can be profound and long-lasting for its local community, visitors, and economy.

"So, it is wonderful news that thanks to National Lottery players, the Heritage Fund’s support in the DUNE project has taken our total investment across North East Lincolnshire since 2019 to an impressive £10m.

"Working with North East Lincolnshire Council has allowed us to understand the long-term heritage ambitions of the areas. North East Lincolnshire remains a priority for the Heritage Fund through our initiative, Heritage Places; a 10-year programme to continue to support the heritage aspirations of the area, which leave a legacy for all to enjoy.”

Get funding for your heritage project

Do you have a project idea to celebrate, protect or share North East Lincolnshire’s heritage?

Find out what we fund.