Funding available for heritage projects

Through the Community Heritage Fund, which The National Lottery Heritage Fund is distributing on behalf of the Department for Communities, grants of between £3,000 - £10,000 will be available to projects to encourage local people to engage with the heritage on their doorstep.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund is encouraging groups from across the country to apply, with hopes that as a result, local people can strengthen their connections with the heritage around them.

The Community Heritage Fund is open to a wide and diverse range of heritage projects, including:

- Projects led by local authorities and third sector organisations including those already involved in the promotion of heritage at a community level.

- Organisations that care for heritage attractions in Northern Ireland e.g. historic building and sites, places of worship.

- Private owners of heritage, which are open to the local community.

- Community groups who are non-heritage based but interested in taking a closer look at the heritage on their doorstep.

Paul Mullan, Director, Northern Ireland, National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “The experience of lockdown in response to coronavirus (COVID-19) was a powerful reminder of the value and importance of the local environment to communities. Connecting with nature and heritage can be critical for maintaining personal mental and physical wellbeing.

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

Organisations are urged to check their eligibility and apply swiftly before the deadline of midday on Friday 18 December.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund will also be hosting two support webinars on Monday 23 and Thursday 26 November for potential applicants to answer any questions in relation to the process.