Funding Opportunities

UK Heritage Funding Platforms

Discover funding opportunities for heritage projects across the UK. From government grants to community crowdfunding, find the best match for your initiative.

Heads-up on deadlines

• National Lottery Heritage Fund: applications close in 3 weeks.

• Historic England grants: deadline in 6 weeks.

Last updated: 16 September 2025.

Quick Stats (indicative)

• Total available funding: ~£2.4B

• Active grant schemes: 150+

• Typical success rates: up to 85% (varies by scheme)

• Average award: ~£15,000

These figures are illustrative and vary by programme. Always check the latest guidance on the funder’s website.

How to Use This Guide

• Skim the Summary for each platform.

• Check Grant range and Good for to see if it fits your project scope.

• Follow the Apply or Learn more links for current criteria and deadlines.

Platforms

National Lottery Heritage Fund

Type: Major grants (Lottery)

Summary: The UK’s largest dedicated heritage funder. Supports projects that connect people and communities with local, regional, and national heritage.

Grant range: £10,000 – £5,000,000

Typical success rate: ~72%

Good for: Heritage places; community-led activity; conservation; skills development

Apply: https://www.heritagefund.org.uk/funding

Guidance: https://www.heritagefund.org.uk/funding/good-practice-guidance

Historic England

Type: Government

Summary: Grants for the repair and conservation of historic buildings, monuments, and designed landscapes, with emphasis on urgent works and “heritage at risk.”

Grant range: £1,000 – £250,000

Typical success rate: ~68%

Good for: Listed buildings; heritage at risk; conservation; urgent repairs

Apply: https://historicengland.org.uk/services-skills/grants/

Guidance: https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/hpg/

Crowdfunder

Type: Crowdfunding

Summary: UK’s largest crowdfunding platform for community projects, often with matched funding partnerships from councils and other bodies.

Typical range: £500 – £50,000

Typical success rate: ~82%

Good for: Community projects; matched funding; quick setup; local support

Start a campaign: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/start-crowdfunding

Help & tips: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/help

Arts Council England

Type: Government

Summary: Invests in arts and culture. Suitable for heritage projects with strong cultural/creative elements and public engagement.

Grant range: £1,000 – £100,000

Typical success rate: ~65%

Good for: Cultural heritage; creative projects; community engagement; skills

Apply: https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/funding

Guidance: https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/funding/funding-guidance

Architectural Heritage Fund

Type: Trust/Fund

Summary: Specialist charity backing community-led rescue and reuse of historic buildings. Offers grants, loans, and expert advice.

Grant range: £500 – £150,000

Typical success rate: ~78%

Good for: Historic buildings; community ownership; restoration; expert support

More info & apply: https://ahfund.org.uk/grants/

Garfield Weston Foundation

Type: Foundation

Summary: One of the UK’s largest grant-makers. Supports heritage projects that benefit communities and preserve historic assets.

Grant range: £2,000 – £100,000

Typical success rate: ~58%

Good for: Community benefit; historic preservation; capital projects; long-term impact

More info & apply: https://garfieldweston.org/

Stoke-on-Trent Council Grants

Type: Local Government

Summary: Local authority funding for community-led heritage and regeneration projects.

Grant range: £250 – £25,000

Typical success rate: ~89%

Good for: Local projects; community groups; quick turnaround; local priorities

Check local schemes: (Use your council’s funding/grants page)

JustGiving

Type: Crowdfunding

Summary: Widely used platform for charitable fundraising—works well where there’s clear community benefit and (where relevant) charity status.

Typical range: £100 – £20,000

Typical success rate: ~75%

Good for: Charitable causes; easy setup; Gift Aid; strong social sharing

Start fundraising: https://www.justgiving.com/

Learn more: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising

Choosing the Right Route (at a glance)

• Capital works (repairs/restoration of historic fabric): Historic England, Architectural Heritage Fund, Garfield Weston Foundation.

• Community engagement & activity programmes: National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England, Crowdfunder.

• Small, quick wins for local impact: Local council grants, Crowdfunder, JustGiving.

• Major multi-year projects: National Lottery Heritage Fund, (potentially) Architectural Heritage Fund + match sources.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Need & impact: Show why your heritage matters now and who benefits.

• Outcomes: Evidence learning, skills, inclusion, and sustainability.

• Match funding: Strengthens cases (cash, in-kind, or crowdfunding).

• Read guidance carefully: Align with each funder’s priorities and outcomes.

• Plan delivery & evaluation: Clear milestones, risk management, and budget.