Museums, libraries and archives
![Black Cultural Archives. Credit: Kois Miah A person handles large parchment documents in an archive room, with shelves of archive boxes in the background](/sites/default/files/styles/main_image_desktop/public/media/imgs/Raleigh%20Hall%20development%20for%20Black%20Cultural%20Archives%20-%20Black%20Cultural%20Archives%202%20copy.jpg.webp?itok=dKXj4Ndc)
Through objects, collections, film, documents and oral histories they help to give us a sense of place and identity.
Thanks to National Lottery players, since 1994 we have awarded £2.4billion to 5,900 museum, library, archive and collection-based projects across the UK.
What do we support?
Our funding supports institutions large and small, including:
- national and local authority museums, libraries and archives
- historic libraries
- community archives
- institutions with heritage collections
Project ideas
Our funding could help people:
- create exciting new exhibition and learning spaces
- attract more diverse audiences
- interpret and open up acquisitions
- develop collections
For more inspiration, see the stories below or browse projects we've funded.
How to get funding
Our National Lottery Heritage Grants programme is open for applications.
Projects
Creative Wiltshire and Swindon
A partnership of heritage organisations used a Collecting Cultures grant to collect the work of local people.
Projects
Saving Treasures, Telling Stories
This project, supported by our Collecting Cultures fund, brought together museums across Wales with local treasure-hunters, improving long-term relationships and collections.
Projects
Exploring Childhoods
This project allowed the museum to be more adventurous, deepen relationships with community partners and seek out new audiences for more contemporary collections.
Projects
Collecting the Troubles and Beyond
This three-year project aimed to strategically develop the collection of material related to the Troubles in National Museums of Northern Ireland (NMNI).
Projects
Life and death in the Washburn Valley
The history of Fewston Churchyard will be researched to reveal the roots of the local community.
Projects
British views of an antique land: Imaging Egypt and Palestine in the First World War
This project focuses on collecting and making accessible images of Egypt and Palestine as they would have been seen by people during the First World War.
Projects
Exploring the legacy of the First World War in Northern Ireland
Communities explored the impact and legacy of the First World War, the Battle of the Somme and the Easter Rising by creating two exhibitions.
Projects
Wartime Medicine and Innovation
Young people investigated the medical developments from the First World War and the impact they have on their lives today.
Projects
Acton Scott Historic Working Farm Heritage Project
Improvements to visitor and workshop facilities at Acton Scott Historic Working Farm have helped to improve visitor access and provide training in traditional skills.
Projects
In Touch - Museum Volunteer Accreditation Programme
Two museums worked closely with local agencies and community groups to open up volunteering opportunities to people who would not usually engage with heritage.
Projects
Valence House Redevelopment Project
The Valence House Museum received a grant of £1,843,000 to enhance the Grade II* building and its surroundings, improve access, and create learning and involvement activities as well as new resources.