The UK Heritage Development Trusts programme is a strategic partnership between the Architectural Heritage Fund and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, providing resources to charities and social enterprises to make a positive and lasting impact on heritage in their areas. The Guide for Applicants provides more information on the support available and who can apply.
We aim to support a diverse range of organisations, at different stages of development – from those just getting started to mature organisations looking to adopt this new approach – and with a good geographical spread across the UK. By the end of 2026, we expect to see a UK-wide network of resilient Heritage Development Trusts that are improving and maintaining the historic built environment for the benefit of communities and the local economy. They will own and be developing income-generating portfolios of heritage assets and be working in partnership with local authorities, SMEs, other not-for-profits and stakeholders to deliver lasting benefit to and with their communities.
Please note that this funding is for organisations with plans to develop multiple historic buildings and is not for single historic building projects.
We are now inviting organisations to submit an Expression of Interest on the form below. This will be open for four weeks – until 9am on 26th June.
Expression of Interest Form – English
YOU MUST COMPLETE THE EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM FIRST IF YOU INTEND TO APPLY. ONLY A LIMITED NUMBER OF ORGANISATIONS WILL BE INVITED TO SUBMIT FULL APPLICATIONS.
Online information sessions
Application process and timeline
Wed 24 May: Expressions of Interest invited
Mon 26 June (9am): Deadline for submission of Expressions of Interest
Friday 14 July: Full applications invited from selected organisations with potential to operate as Heritage Development Trusts
Friday 15 Sept (9am): Deadline for applications
Friday 15 December: Announcement of successful applicants