Community heritage
Since 1994 we have awarded £460million to more than 24,100 community and cultural heritage projects across the UK.
What do we support?
We fund projects that are researching, conserving and celebrating the heritage of a community or place.
These projects could include lots of types of heritage, such as people celebrating living customs or improving a historic green space. What's most important is that the project involves and benefits the community.
Project ideas
Our funding could help people:
- research the impact of a historical event on their town, and share their findings through displays, talks and online
- investigate the names on a war memorial
- crowdsource documents and photographs linked to the LGBTQ+ community, creating an online archive and exhibition
- set up an audio trail around a range of buildings, parks and monuments in a town
- enable a youth group to research their local history and create an animated film about their learnings
For more inspiration, see the stories below or browse projects we've funded.
How to get funding
If you have an idea for a project, we would love to hear from you.
Projects
Saving Scarborough's Secret Garden
Volunteers have revitalised and restored Scarborough's cemetery for local communities to discover the stories of those buried there.
News
Joining forces with the National Trust to improve parks
News
Celebs out in force as four HLF projects scoop prestigious award
Programme
15-Minute Heritage Grants (Round 2)
News
Good news for Love Parks Week
News
National Lottery cash revives run-down UK parks
News
Heritage Angel Awards receive a warm welcome in Wales
News
Ballots for both: Britain celebrates centenary of women’s suffrage
Publications
The story of us: heritage and communities
Blogs
LGBTQ+ histories: where do you feel safe to be yourself?
Stories
Changing lives: instilling confidence in Port Talbot teens
News