HLF funds projects that range from restoring natural landscapes to rescuing neglected buildings; from recording diverse community histories to providing life-changing training.  HLF has now launched a public consultation to find out what people think its role, vision and priorities should be as the UK’s biggest funder of heritage during its next strategic funding framework – the period from 2019-2024.

Comments are being invited on a proposed new approach including targeted funding campaigns, repayable loans and public involvement in decision-making, all of which could have a role over the next five years in ensuring the most effective use of National Lottery money to support the UK’s heritage.

Chief Executive of HLF Ros Kerslake, said:  “Since 1994, HLF has distributed £7.8bn to over 40,000 heritage projects – an unparalleled legacy that has transformed neighbourhoods, communities, visitor attractions and people’s lives across the length and breadth of the nation. 

[quote=Ros Kerslake, HLF CEO]"We see our future role as inspiring, leading and resourcing our heritage."[/quote]

“In doing so we have also led change and innovation across the UK heritage sector through our inclusive and progressive approach to heritage and people. We have championed a democratic view of heritage as what we value from the past and want to hand on to the future, and nurtured community-driven approaches to local heritage and identity.

“We now hold a unique position as the largest dedicated funder of the UK’s heritage and, at a time of increased competition and reduced budgets, want to be sure we are using every pound of National Lottery players’ money in the best way possible. 

“We see our future role as inspiring, leading and resourcing our heritage to create positive and lasting change for people and communities, now and in the future.”

HLF still expects to fund a full range of heritage including landscapes, places of worship, parks, townscapes, buildings at risk and heritage skills.  It also expects to continue to put people and communities at the heart of its funding decisions.

HLF, as a National Lottery good causes distributor, is now asking for views on its priorities for the future, including:

its role and vision – how HLF can continue to advocate for the impact and benefits to society that heritage brings;

how to engage under-represented groups and ensure National Lottery money benefits as wide and diverse an audience as possible;

developing new approaches to place-based funding that would offer an opportunity for communities to put heritage at the heart of their economic and social development:

• how to support the use of digital technology and access to funding for digital projects;
• ensuring heritage organisations across the UK can become more enterprising and financially sustainable;
• simplifying the range of grant programmes on offer and making it easier for people to apply;
• offering repayable grants, loans, or other types of social investment;
• involving the public in making decisions about National Lottery funding for heritage; and
• running time-limited funding campaigns, to attract applications for particular types of project.

Today’s consultation follows in-depth research carried out with people who play The National Lottery, who say they value the fact that HLF takes an inclusive approach, doesn’t define heritage and supports the full breadth of heritage across the UK. 

The consultation is available via the ComRes microsite and runs until Thursday 22 March 2018.

Further information

• Simon Oliver, HLF press office, on tel: 020 7591 6032
• Out-of-hours press office mobile: 07973 613820