Areas of Focus
What is an Area of Focus?
In our Strategic Funding Framework 2019–2024 we identified 13 places – ‘Areas of Focus’ – that had historically received lower levels of investment from us and displayed the highest evidence of need based on data from the Index of Multiple Deprivation.
This was in response to National Lottery player consultation, which highlighted a desire to see money raised by The National Lottery targeted towards communities who would benefit the most from funding.
The 13 places:
- Brent (London and South)
- Corby (Midlands and East)
- Enfield (London and South)
- Knowsley (North of England)
- Inverclyde (Scotland)
- Luton (Midlands and East)
- Newham (London and South)
- North-East Lincolnshire (North of England)
- North Lanarkshire (Scotland)
- Neath Port Talbot (Wales)
- Rhondda Cynon Taff (Wales)
- Tendring (Midlands and East)
- Walsall (Midlands and East)
Our work in these areas
Our work was guided by a vision for heritage to support thriving places and communities. This vision continues under our 10-year strategy, Heritage 2033, and our Heritage Places initiative.
Throughout 2019–2024 our teams worked with a wide range of stakeholders in the 13 areas – from Local Authorities, to heritage, community and voluntary sector organisations – to identify the best way to deliver positive outcomes through heritage.
In practice, this included a range of activities to support local organisations with access to our funding:
- partnership working, including with other funders
- community and micro-grants schemes
- the ability to solicit or fast-track grant applications where a time-limited opportunity presents itself, such as significant government or other partnership funding
- commissioning specialist support or capacity building for organisations delivering heritage projects for the first time
Looking to the future
The legacy of our work in these areas will continue. Although we’ve identified new places in need of our support under Heritage 2033, organisations in our Areas of Focus can continue to apply for funding and celebrate the heritage of their places.
Explore the impact of our work in the Areas of Focus below.
Publications
Areas of Focus year 5 evaluation report
Projects
Our Heritage: supporting D/deaf children in Walsall
Families of children with D/deafness or hearing impairments took part in social activities that taught them about local heritage, traditions and skills passed down through generations.
Blogs
How targeted support has helped Knowsley's heritage thrive
Publications
How our targeted funding is improving confidence and collaboration
Publications
Dedicated time and investment is increasing application success in under-served places
Projects
Bee Inspired creating a buzz in Walsall
Bee Inspired aims to support bumblebee populations and aid nature's recovery through habitat creation and restoration at the new Bumblebee Conservation Hub.
Projects
Your Museum of Enfield
Looking to the future, the Museum of Enfield is investing in a digital collections database and recruiting volunteers to understand and open up access to local heritage.
Videos
Apply for heritage grants in Neath Port Talbot and Rhondda Cynon Taf
News
Corby – a town with a centuries-old royal tradition
Projects
London Borough of Newham
Newham Heritage Month is an annual heritage festival that celebrates the borough’s local heritage, led by the community for the community.
Blogs
Luton: A vibrant, diverse town with a rich heritage identity
Projects
Being There: memories of the London 2012 Opening and Closing Ceremonies
Newham based arts company Parrabbola will share some of the memories of the estimated 70,000 volunteers at the heart of London 2012.