Is access to heritage important to you? Right here in Manchester stands The National Lottery Heritage Fund – North. It plays a vital role in preserving the UK’s diverse heritage.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund distributes a share of National Lottery funding. It supports a wide array of heritage projects across the United Kingdom. The Fund wants to encourage people to be involved in heritage. It also aims to widen access and learning.
Formerly known as the Heritage Lottery Fund, it was re-branded in January 2019. The fund’s history stretches back to predecessor bodies like the National Land Fund established in 1946. The National Heritage Memorial Fund followed in 1980. The Heritage Lottery Fund was then established in 1994.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s income comes from the National Lottery. Camelot Group managed the lottery until 2024. The Fund has awarded billions to projects across the UK. As of 2019, it had awarded over seven billion pounds to 43000 projects.
One notable initiative is the Parks for People program. It launched in 2006. Its aim was to revitalize historic parks and cemeteries. From 2006 to 2021, the Fund granted a significant amount to 135 projects. That grant was approximately 254 million pounds.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has simplified its funding schemes. These are now under one banner. It is called National Lottery Grants for Heritage. Awards range from small to large. They range from approximately three thousand pounds to five million pounds.
Projects exceeding five million pounds are considered through national competitions. These competitions happen in specific time frames. They occurred in 2020-21 and 2022-23.
The Digital Skills for Heritage Fund supports digital volunteering. This is a 3.5 million pounds fund. It offers grants to support digital volunteering in the heritage sector. It launched in November 2021.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s chair is appointed by the Prime Minister. Dr Simon Thurley CBE, former Chief Executive of English Heritage, became the chair of trustees on 1 April 2021. The Chief Executive since January 2022 is Eilish McGuinness.
The Fund’s head office is in London. But it also has offices throughout the UK including here in Manchester. This office is located in Rodwell Tower. It is on Piccadilly. The building is wheelchair accessible. Access is via the car park. There is a lift from street level to the car park with an assistance call button. A platform lift takes you to the mezzanine floor. There is also an accessible toilet.
Major projects supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund include the restoration of Heaton Park in Manchester. That project was awarded 8.5 million pounds in 1999.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects. These projects connect people and communities to their heritage. They range from restoring natural landscapes to rescuing neglected buildings. Other examples include recording diverse community histories and providing life-changing training.
Thanks to National Lottery players, the Heritage Fund has distributed billions to projects across the UK.
So, as you stand here, consider the impact of The National Lottery Heritage Fund – North. It supports heritage. It ensures that the UK’s rich history remains accessible. This accessibility is for everyone now and in the future.