How your church can make the best application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for their support for building works is the topic of two upcoming support sessions hosted by the Diocese of Leeds.
The NLHF is the largest funder for the UK’s heritage; it has awarded over £8 billion to more than 51,000 heritage projects (including churches of all shapes and sizes) since 1994.
The NLHF is funded by National Lottery ticket sales and its decision-making process is entirely independent of the government.
The Heritage 2033 strategy has included the introduction of four new investment principles to guide decision making through open funding programmes, and you can learn more about these, as well as good practice guidance and tips on how to apply to the NLHF, at one of two workshops being hosted by the diocese this spring.
Led by Heritage Fund Engagement Manager, Sarah Ledjmi, these workshops are suitable for anyone thinking about a large project, but may be of particular interest to clergy, churchwardens and treasurers.
Alena Douglas, Church Buildings Support Officer for the diocese, said: “The National Lottery Heritage Fund are the largest funder for heritage projects in the UK, as such the application process can be very competitive.
“PCCs are sometimes intimidated by the application processes or worried about stories they have heard in the past of projects having to jump through hoops only to be rejected.
“Much has changed in recent years; the application process is now easier and friendlier!
“It is great to be able to offer this additional support to PCCs think about applying, I hope it will help people improve their applications and increase their chances of success.”
Pre-booking is not required, but an indication of numbers would be helpful to make sure enough refreshments are available.
The two sessions are at:
- St Giles Pontefract on Thursday, May 15, 6pm – 8pm
- St Mary Masham on Tuesday, May 20, 2pm – 4pm
You can register your interest here.
Plenty of time will be set aside to answer questions; if you would like to submit questions in advance, please email them to Alena at alena-rose.douglas@leeds.anglican.org.