LEARNING FROM OUR PAST


The National Lottery Heritage Fund has changed its name and streamlined its grants programme. Jane Hughes reports on the new opportunities available for schools


H


eritage is a broad term, encompassing cultural traditions, nature and natural landscapes, historic


buildings, museums, memories, community archaeology, and more. Indeed, with more than £1billion of lottery money to distribute over the next five years, the National Lottery Heritage Fund is actively encouraging an open interpretation of what heritage means, particularly for younger generations. That’s good news for schools that want to develop independent learning, build cross-curricular links and encourage meaningful engagement with the wider communities around them. ‘Heritage can mean different


things to different people, but in essence it can be anything from the past that we value and want to pass on to future generations,’ says Sarah Lanchin, the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s policy advisor for children and young people. ‘We want young people to come


up with ideas that are relevant to them and that they feel passionately about, whether that be initiatives that instil a sense of belonging and identity, or virtual-reality projects that enhance digital skills. We’re keen to support projects that not only add depth to the curriculum but also encourage pupils to become co-producers and leaders themselves, perhaps through running youth forums or taking part in decision-making workshops.’ Formerly the Heritage Lottery


Fund, the National Lottery Heritage 32 SUMMER 2019 FundEd


Fund’s new name makes explicit the fact that its funding comes from the National Lottery. Moreover, the accompanying funding framework has been simplified into one big pool of grants, organised into three broad bands: small (£3,000 to £10,000), medium (£10,000 to £250,000) and large (£250,000 to £5million). Much decision-making has been


devolved to regional committees so that funding is more clearly focused on the heritage that matters to local communities. Every heritage project must meet socially inclusive and environmentally friendly criteria, but beyond that applicants have


complete freedom in how to shape their own initiatives. ‘For school children, heritage is


an important way of learning more about who they are and where they come from,’ says Sarah Lanchin. ‘If you take a minute to look around and listen, you can begin to understand how different kinds of heritage shape our lives today – from places and objects linked to our industrial, maritime and transport history, to hairstyles, clothing and different languages and dialects.’ What’s more, she adds, being


involved in a heritage programme can bring additional benefits. ‘By


How to apply n All projects must have a clear plan and timescale, with a defined start, middle and end. To apply for a grant, create an account at heritagefund. org.uk/funding/how-apply. n Grants are divided into three bands: £3,000–£10,000, £10,000–250,000 and £250,000–£5million. There are no deadlines for grants up to £100,000 so applications can be made at any time, and decisions are made within eight weeks. n For grants between £100,000 and £5million, the deadlines are quarterly. The next deadline is 20 August 2019 for a decision in November 2019. Applicants must contribute a percentage of project costs (at least five per cent for grants up to £1million and at least ten per cent for grants of £1million of more), which


may come from other funding partners. n All applicants for a grant between £10,000 and £250,000 must submit a project enquiry form. Those above £250,000 must complete a short expression of interest (EOI) form.


TOP TIPS n Follow the online guidance on how to fill in the application form. n Explain the project clearly, stick to word counts and don’t duplicate your answers. n Convey your passion about the project. n Show that you have consulted with heritage partners (such as museums, libraries, wildlife trusts) who can bring specialist expertise that will engage young people.


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