This money will enable nine organisations to provide heritage groups with the tools needed to build capacity and improve their ability to tap into private funding.

The organisations receiving this investment will work with experienced trainers to deliver a range of innovative capacity building services alongside learning and networking opportunities across the UK. As a result, over 15,000 people in the heritage sector will have access to expert training including the development of fundraising strategies; leadership and governance; securing legacy income, corporate sponsorship and crowd-funding; along with expanding digital opportunities for raising money. Those involved will also develop a better understanding of the current fundraising environment.

Carole Souter, Chief Executive of HLF, said: "Building financial resilience must be a priority if we are to secure a sustainable future for our buildings, landscapes and collections. At the Heritage Lottery Fund we recognise there is already a wealth of understanding and expertise around encouraging private giving. This investment will help unlock this valuable know-how by providing networking and training opportunities so that heritage organisations can come together to share their skills and knowledge."

The organsiations receiving grants between £100,000 and £500,000 today are:

• The Princes Regeneration Trust
• Heritage Alliance
• Arts and Business Scotland
• Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA)
• Northern Ireland Environment Link
• The National Archives
• Norfolk Museums and Archeology Service
• Hampshire County Council Arts and Museums Service
• Cornwall County Council

HLF’s Catalyst programme is part of a wider £100million+ investment partnership between the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), Arts Council England (ACE) and HLF designed to enable arts and heritage organisations to develop and explore innovative approaches to securing private giving. Find out more about the Catalyst programme.