The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) will be at the York Family History Fair on Saturday 30 June to announce details of a new £1million grant programme for local heritage projects. 
 
All Our Stories, is a new UK wide £1million grant programme designed to help local communities explore and celebrate their past. All Our Stories has been developed in support of The Great British Story – A People’s History, currently on BBC Two and presented by Michael Wood. The exciting new history series explores the history of our nation through the eyes of ordinary people over the last 1,600 years, and is accompanied by a BBC Learning road show during May-July – including the York Family History Fair - giving visitors a unique opportunity to find out more about their own personal history as well as that of their local area.

The Yorkshire and the Humber team is hoping that local groups who are interested in finding out how they can uncover their local history will join them at the event, to be held in the Knavesmire Exhibition Centre, The Racecourse, York, from 10am to 4.30pm, where they will be on hand to provide advice and information about how to apply for lottery funding.

All Our Stories is a new, simple, funding scheme with grants available ranging from £3,000 - £10,000 - developed so everyone can get involved in their heritage. From researching local historic landmarks, learning more about customs and traditions to delving into archives and finding out the origins of street and place names - this new programme will give everyone the chance to explore their heritage and share what they learn with others.

Fiona Spiers, Head of HLF Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “One of our key aims is to provide the funds groups need to explore the stories, people and places that are important to them and make history accessible to everyone. This event, which will see the BBC History Unit and HLF taking part, is a great opportunity for people to find out how to apply for funding. We look forward to seeing as many people as possible in York to enjoy hands on activities, workshops and talks and most of all find out more about what is available to them through our new small grant scheme and various other grant programmes.”

Abigail Appleton, Head of Commissioning for BBC Learning, said: "Having the HLF with All Our Stories at BBC Learning's events will give community groups a powerful way to take their learning journeys further. I look forward hugely to seeing what is uncovered.”
 
To find out more about The Great British Story events, the TV series and to download a free The Great British Story Fact Pack go to BBC Great British Story website. 

Note to editors
 
BBC Learning is hosting a number of The Great British Story events across the UK. HLF will be present with advice to support applications under All Our Stories. These events will provide opportunities for people to discover their place in history, learn about their surnames and uncover the history of their local area. BBC and partner events will be listed on BBC Things to Do from May.

All Our Stories grants
Applications will be accepted from a wide range of organisations including community groups, heritage organisations and charities. The application process is simple:   

• Go to the All Our Stories programme page
• Enter the details of your organisation  
• Answer a series of simple questions including, what you want to do, how you will do it and how much money you will require.

Applications need to be submitted online by 31 July 2012 and applicants will receive a  decision by October 2012. 
 
Expert university help for your project
HLF is working in partnership with universities throughout the UK to offer grant applicants support with their activities. This could include help from a local history expert, an archaeologist, or an archivist. This help has been made available through the AHRC’s Connected Communities programme whose aim is to understand through research the changing nature of communities and the role of communities in sustaining and enhancing our quality of life. A call for participation was issued towards the end of 2011 and 21 organisations were selected following peer review.
 
Further information

HLF press oOffice: Vicky Wilford, Communications Account Manager, on 020 7591 6046 or email vickyw@gmail.com.