Heritage Lottery FundPlanning your heritage project & our small grants programmes

• conserve the UK’s diverse heritage for present andfuture generations to experience and enjoy;

• help more people, and a wider range of people, to take an active part in and make decisions about their heritage; and

• help people to learn about their own and other people’s heritage

Our strategic aims are to:

Recent changes

• increased Lottery sales and change in Lottery shares have increased HLF budgets from 2011 onwards

• increased competition

• batched decision meetings

Is HLF the right funder for you?• is it a project?

• is there a heritage focus?

• are there learning and participation activities?

• is the applicant a constituted, non-profit organisation?

What we don’t fund

• projects with no heritage focus or merit• general running costs• core business or responsibilities (e.g.

routine repairs)• DDA works• existing staff costs• rent or loan payments; mortgages• business plans, options appraisals,

feasibility work• project continuation costs• travel abroad

Young Roots

At a glance…

• grants of £3,000 - £25,000

• young people aged between 13 - 25 years old

• aimed at youth and community organisations

• heritage & youth partnership

• decision in approx 10 weeks

• online application form

Turning PagesThe Paper Birds Theatre Company

were awarded a grant of £4,200

• 20 young people developed skills in interviewing and research to explore the history of the library

• members of the library’s older people’s forum were interviewed to gather their memories of the library and local community

• a live performance took place and a DVD and education pack were created

Your Heritage

At a glance…

• grants of £3,000 - £50,000

• capital or activity project

• project based / additionality

• decision in approx 10 weeks

• online application form

Bradford’s Lost Ancient Woodland

Bradford Environmental Action Trust were awarded £8,000

• trained volunteers in research and conservation skills

• raised awareness of local ancient woodland and provided opportunities for the community to engage with their natural heritage

• ancient woodlands recorded and preserved

We will also assess:• the need / demand for your project• the quality of the project (and if

well thought out)• how you will manage it, during and

after completion• how you will measure success• if your project is financially viable

and good value for money

How we assess your application

Common Rejection Reasons

Aims • not a heritage project• does not meet aims• all capital works

Group• project continuation• failure to evidence skills and expertise

Need and demand• is it an appropriate response to the

needs of the target audience?• who have you spoken to about the

project?

Project costs & partnership funding• cannot match Lottery monies• unrealistic partnership funding• value for Money• balance of costs• failure to scope the project• high proportion of overheads

Common Rejection Reasons

Plan your project before you apply

• The idea

• The goals

• Task list

• Timeline

Example goals and stepsGOAL STEPS

Produce an exhibition on the village’s local history to be displayed in the village hall

Research material for exhibition•Who will do this? Volunteers of researcher

Filter relevant information for exhibition•Will you have a smaller group to make decisions?

Design panel•Volunteers with help form a professional/all professional

Costs of producing exhibition display•Get quotes & decide who to use

Get exhibition made

Install exhibition

Promote, launch and run exhibition•Celebration event

Completing the form

• describe what you want to do clearly

• avoid buzzwords, jargon and vague language

• ask someone who does not know your project to read your draft application form

• ask a colleague to check the finance section

• make sure your declaration is signed by your chairperson etc (not the main contact)

Top Tips

• make sure you read the programme guidance and help notes

• explain how your project meets HLF’s aims

• clearly describe your project and the heritage focus

• assume no prior knowledge• don’t develop a project in isolation • be realistic• get advice!!!

Yorkshire & The Humber Development Team

Heritage Lottery Fund

4th Floor, Carlton Tower

34 St Paul’s Street

Leeds, LS1 2QB

Telephone: 0113 3888030

Email: y&hdevelopment@hlf.org.uk

Website: www.hlf.org.uk