Applications open for heritage sector scheme

Through the Heritage Recovery Fund, which The National Lottery Heritage Fund is delivering on behalf of the Department for Communities, grants will be available to support both organisations and individuals working in the heritage sector.

Grants of £3,000 to £250,000 will be available to organisations working in the heritage sector to help them respond to the immediate impacts of the COVID-19 crisis and support their future sustainability.

Individuals working in the sector will also be able to apply for grants of up to £5,000 as part of the fund, to help sustain vital skills and jobs.

The Heritage Recovery Fund is part of the £29 million Northern Ireland Executive allocation that was made to the Department for Communities to support the arts, culture, heritage and language sectors which have been severely impacted by Covid-19.

The fund will be delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund on behalf of the Department for Communities.

The Heritage Recovery Fund is open to a wide and diverse range of heritage, including:
- Heritage organisations managing a heritage site or visitor attraction

- Private owners of a heritage site, venue or attraction

- Organisations managing, maintaining or caring for culturally significant assets or collections

- Businesses that are a vital part of the heritage ecosystem, including conservators, contractors, specialists and suppliers

- Universities and other public sector bodies that manage heritage sites, venues or attractions 

- Self-employed and freelance individuals working in the heritage sector.

Full guidance is available now on The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s website https://www.heritagefund.org.uk/funding/heritage-recovery-fund-northern-ireland

Organisations are urged to check their eligibility and apply swiftly before the deadline of midday on Friday 27 November.