How To Apply for a Neighbourhood Heritage Grant

No.

Your organisation can be based anywhere in England. The key requirement is that the community you will be working with is located within an eligible IMD Decile 1-3 area. If your office, charity or organisation is based outside an eligible area but your project will work directly with communities in eligible neighbourhoods, you can still apply. You should clearly explain where the project will take place and who will benefit.

Projects should be shaped with communities from an early stage. It is acceptable to have an initial idea or framework, but applications will be stronger where community members have already influenced priorities, activities or project design and will continue to be involved in decision-making throughout delivery.

No. The buildings, places, and stories explored through the project do not need to be listed or nationally designated. We are interested in heritage that is valued by local communities and connected to place.

Yes. Projects can explore recent histories, memories, identities, and experiences where they help people understand their neighbourhood and its development over time. The key requirement is a meaningful connection to heritage and place.

No. However, if your organisation has limited heritage experience, you should explain how you will access appropriate expertise or support through partners, advisers or specialists.

Yes. Collaborative projects are welcome and can include community organisations, local authorities, researchers, libraries, museums, archives and other partners. One organisation must act as the lead applicant and accept overall responsibility for the grant.

Yes. Previous funding does not prevent an organisation from applying, provided the proposal is a new project and meets the aims and criteria of the programme.

Absolutely. We encourage applications from organisations that are new to Historic England funding and from organisations that do not normally identify as heritage organisations.

Yes, provided all communities involved meet the eligibility requirements and the project demonstrates a clear place-based focus. Applicants should explain why working across multiple neighbourhoods is appropriate and how local people will influence the project in each area.

Yes. National or regional organisations can apply if the funded activity is focused on eligible communities and neighbourhoods and meets all other programme requirements.

Yes, where appropriate. We recognise the value of lived experience and community expertise. Any payments should be proportionate, clearly explained and represent good value for money.

We will not fund later stages of projects that are ongoing. Neighbourhood Heritage grants are aimed at new projects.

Yes. You can present or host the outputs of a Neighbourhood Heritage funded project at any appropriate event.