Thriving Places
![People sitting in a sunny park, near a bandstand](/sites/default/files/styles/main_image_desktop/public/media/imgs/Bandstand_Pearson%20Park_North_0.jpg.webp?itok=JeMxxCvU)
What we mean by place
‘Place’ can mean many things, and definitions vary depending on where you are or who you ask. But examples include a local community, a natural landscape or an entire city.
How heritage supports great places
Many areas across the UK have a ‘sense of place’ that inspires local pride and increases wellbeing.
Heritage sits at the heart of a place’s identity, adding depth, character and value. This can include buildings and monuments, landscapes, high streets and parks.
Heritage helps connect people and communities to a place and boosts local economic prosperity.
Our funding for heritage projects
We welcome projects that take a 'place-based approach'. Place-based working is about:
- identifying challenges and opportunities in the heritage of a place
- developing responses which bring about benefits for both the heritage and the place
- thinking beyond an individual project by considering how it relates to your local area and community
- partnering or coordinating with other organisations to increase the impact of your project
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently prioritising projects that create better places to live, work and visit, and boost local economies.
See our funding programmes to find out how to apply.
A place funder, not just a project funder
We also support place-based working by:
- devolving decision-making, which enables locally based staff, with local expertise, to assess applications and make awards
- addressing under-representation in our funding of geographical areas experiencing deprivation
- working with local councils and others to connect our funding to wider local priorities
- working with national partners and agencies on major place-based initiatives
Running a place-based project
Need help or inspiration?
You can find useful guidance here:
And discover how heritage can create better places in the project examples below.
Publications
Driving long-term positive change through place-based funding
![Festival artwork, people are falling through the air looking excited. In front of Birmingham library](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/imgs/Wondrous%20Stories.png.webp?itok=lvAjH0jD)
News
Exciting programme of cultural events for Birmingham 2022 Festival
Publications
Increased investment levels in under-served areas
News
£193,502 awarded to local heritage projects across Wales
News
A new lease of life for Wickham Market’s community pub
News
Full steam ahead for the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways
![Ospreys flying against blue sky](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/imgs/Ospreys954.jpg.webp?itok=-gkkGxvb)
News
Nature Networks Fund: £7.2million to protect Wales’ threatened species and habitats
Projects
Green Valley Conservation and Heritage Project
A derelict site in Cynon Valley has been transformed into a community garden full of people, nature and wildlife – and is now the perfect place for boosting mental health.
Projects
Solicited Application for Birmingham XXII Commonwealth Games
Running from March to September 2022, the £12million festival featured hundreds of artistic commissions, engaging a local and national audience with Birmingham’s cultural heritage.
Projects
Sport in the Community: Shaping NI for 100 Years
Sported Foundation were awarded a £24,861 National Lottery grant to explore the history of sport and how it plays a part in Northern Ireland's identity.
![One of last year’s grantees: Tin Shed Theatre company](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/imgs/Tin%20Shed%20Theatre%20company.jpg.webp?itok=ungoPWg5)
Stories