Heritage Protection Commissions

What is the funding under this scheme for?

We offer funding for strategic research and to build skills and capacity in our historic environment.

The research we fund will help us to know what our historic environment comprises, which aspects of it are the most significant, how people value and interact with it, and what innovations in science and approach will help us to look after it for the future.

How and when to apply:

There are three ways to apply for funding, please follow the links for information on how to apply.

1. We run an Open Proposals Programme which means that applications can be submitted at any time.

2. We also issue Calls for Proposals where the subject for grant aid is specifically defined but where your own creativity and expertise shape your application. New calls may be added throughout the year, so please check regularly.

3. We also advertise Tender Opportunities with very specific project requirements. New opportunities may be offered throughout the year, so please check regularly.

Help and advice is available from the Heritage Protection Commissions Team.

After you apply:

We run a two-stage application process for Open Proposals and Calls for Proposals.

A short Project Proposal should be submitted to the Heritage Protection Commissions team. We test all proposals to check whether they meet the priorities in the relevant part of our Corporate Plan. For those that do, we then assess:

• the methods proposed
• the expertise and experience of the proposed team
• the amount of grant needed
• the impact the project will have on its intended users

We aim to tell you our decision on your Project Proposal within two months of receipt.

If successful, you will be invited to develop a detailed Project Design (for which we will provide funding). Once this is agreed, we will issue a formal Agreement and the project can begin.

The development of a Project Design and its subsequent appraisal can take several months for a large and complex project, so please bear this in mind.

For Tender Opportunities, we will issue a Brief, and your response will be in the form of a Project Design. We do not fund Project Designs produced in response to Tenders.

Who can apply?

All organisations including local authorities, universities, charitable trusts and limited companies are eligible for funding.

Individuals are also eligible provided they can demonstrate that they are registered as self-employed.