We’ve teamed up with Cadw – the Welsh Government’s historic environment service – for a second year to deliver a total of £360,000 for the 15-Minute Heritage programme.

The programme is based on a concept called the ‘15 minute city’, where everyone is able to meet most of their needs within just a short walk or cycle from their home.

It will support projects that benefit local people, by helping to connect communities with the heritage that’s on their doorstep. This can be critical for maintaining personal mental and physical wellbeing, especially after the lockdowns in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.  

“In Wales we are surrounded by heritage, not just in our museums, castles and historic structures, but in anything that inspires a sense of belonging”. 

Dawn Bowden, Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport.

The grant money can be used to fund capital-related projects, such as:

• small-scale physical works to land and/or buildings
• upgrade costs for digital projects, like website and app creation
• purchasing and maintaining equipment fixtures and furnishings

We are surrounded by heritage

Dawn Bowden, Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport,  said: “In Wales we are surrounded by heritage, not just in our museums, castles and historic structures, but in anything that inspires a sense of belonging.

“Whether it’s through empowering volunteers with new skills, or enabling people to engage with their local heritage in new and accessible ways, each successful project will deliver benefits to communities nationwide.

“That’s why I’m so very pleased that Cadw is once again collaborating with The Heritage Fund to help communities explore, celebrate and share their local heritage stories.”

Success last year

Cadw and The Heritage Fund first worked together in 2020 to launch the 15-Minute Heritage programme in Wales. We successfully funded 84 projects in each of Wales’ 22 local authority areas, from Anglesey to Aberdare, and from Goodwick to Gwynfi.

Heritage is for everyone

Commenting on the success of last year’s launch, Andrew White – Director of The Heritage Fund, Wales – said: “It’s a pleasure to be working with Cadw again to launch the 15-Minute Heritage grant programme, which proved to be so incredibly popular last year.

“I’m hoping we can support even more communities across Wales to connect with their heritage again this year and I would encourage anyone who wants to explore and re-discover their local area – and who maybe has never applied to us for funding before – to apply for one of our 15-Minute Heritage grants.”

How to apply

Applications are now open until 12 noon on 4 October 2021.

For more details about the 15-Minute Heritage programme, and how to apply, please read our application guidance.