Heritage Lottery Fund

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) is a fund established in the United Kingdom under the National Lottery etc. Act 1993. The Fund opened for applications in 1994. It uses money raised through the National Lottery to transform and sustain the UK’s heritage. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, the natural environment and cultural traditions, HLF provides grants to support all aspects of the UK's diverse heritage.

Since 1994 HLF has supported more than 33,900 projects, allocating £4.4billion across the UK. Website: www.hlf.org.uk

Large projects

Major projects supported by HLF include:-

• Restoration of the Kennet and Avon Canal, Somerset – awarded £25 million
• Creation of the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea – awarded £11 million
• Acquisition of Raphael’s Madonna of the Pinks (for the National Gallery) – awarded £11.5 million
• Kelvingrove Gallery, Glasgow – awarded £13 million
• Heaton Park, Manchester – awarded £8.5 million

Small projects

HLF also supports a wide range of smaller, community-focused schemes. More than half of its grants are for ‘Your Heritage’ for example The Ballet of Change project and ‘Young Roots’ projects that encourage local community groups and young people to explore the past that interests them.

Small Projects aided by HLF Funding are:

• Bank Hall in Bretherton - Awarded £1.59 million

Administration

Although HLF is branded as though it a body in its own right, it is actually administered by...
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