At The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we support all sorts of projects which explore and celebrate the heritage of diverse ethnic communities.

During Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month, we’re highlighting projects that showcase the diverse histories and heritage of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. Discover the stories of these projects below. 

We want everyone to have opportunities to learn, develop new skills and explore heritage, regardless of background or personal circumstances. That's why under our Heritage 2033 investment principles inclusion, access and participation must be part of every project we fund.

The terms we use

Some of the terms we use include:

• diverse ethnic communities, or ethnically diverse communities. In Scotland we use MECC (minority ethnic and cultural community). We have revised our usage of the term BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic).
• LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and other identities)
• Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. This describes a range of ethnic groups or people with nomadic ways of life who are not from a specific ethnicity.

We use these terms because we believe they are widely understood. Identities can be complex and intersectional, and we are also aware that for many these terms may feel inadequate or limiting. We keep the language we use constantly under review.

Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month

Each June Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month celebrates the histories, cultures and traditions of a diverse range of Gypsy, Roma, Traveller and nomadic communities. This year’s theme ‘what does family mean to you’ focusses on the importance of families, whatever form they take.

By sharing the stories and amplifying the voices of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people we can help to tackle prejudice and raise awareness about the past and present of the communities.

Our collection below showcases the diverse range of projects across the UK that we’ve supported to uncover, explore, and celebrate Gypsy, Roma and Traveller heritage.

Get inspiration for your project

We want to support projects that make the stories of the UK’s four nations more inclusive of everyone’s heritage. Get inspired by the projects below and find out more about applying for our funding.