Historic Environment Scotland

Could Historic Environment Scotland fund your project? Check fit free. Draft if yes — or shortlist better matches.

Where they fund: Scotland
Applications: Accepted
How to apply: Two-stage application

Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.

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About Historic Environment Scotland

Historic Environment Scotland is the lead public body for Scotland's historic environment, established to investigate, conserve, promote, and enhance the nation's heritage. The organisation values inclusivity, sustainability, knowledge sharing, community empowerment, and innovation. It funds through a partnership approach that emphasises evidence-based public benefit and collective responsibility. As the statutory heritage authority, it integrates research, designation, asset management, and grants. Its funding character is collaborative, supporting projects that align with national heritage visions and foster community stewardship. The organisation believes enduring impact arises through partnerships that engage communities, transfer skills, and build resilience.

What Historic Environment Scotland funds

Historic Environment Scotland supports projects that increase understanding and engagement with Scotland's historic environment. This includes archaeological research, outreach, learning programmes, and public interpretation of historic sites. It also funds community place-making and regeneration through townscape heritage initiatives, conservation area schemes, and community-led revitalisation of historic environments. Promoting heritage skills and training is a key focus, covering traditional building crafts and apprenticeships for young heritage professionals. Climate adaptation and sustainable management are also supported, such as energy-efficient retrofits, resilient conservation techniques, and green infrastructure for at-risk heritage assets. Funded activities span capital conservation and repairs, revenue-supported skills courses, volunteer training, and educational outreach. All work must take place within Scotland and contribute to the historic environment.

Who can apply

Historic Environment Scotland favours not-for-profit organisations, community groups, voluntary organisations, public partners, and heritage professionals delivering national or significant local impact. Eligible legal structures include registered charities, charitable incorporated organisations, community interest companies, social enterprises, and community groups. The funder prioritises projects that demonstrate community leadership and benefit, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity for marginalised communities. Applicants must be based in Scotland and the work must serve Scotland's historic environment. The funder encourages applications from organisations that share its values of sustainability, knowledge sharing, and community empowerment.

What Historic Environment Scotland doesn't fund

Historic Environment Scotland does not fund retrospective work without prior agreement, duplication with local heritage trusts, or projects lacking public benefit or match funding. It also excludes anything outside Scotland's historic environment. The funder will not support activities that do not align with its statutory role or that primarily benefit private individuals rather than the public.

How they like to fund

Historic Environment Scotland funds through a partnership approach that emphasises evidence-based public benefit and collective responsibility. It welcomes unsolicited applications and works collaboratively with grantees, fostering shared ownership of heritage outcomes.

How much does Historic Environment Scotland give?

Historic Environment Scotland runs 3 grant programmes.

Last verified 8 August 2026

Express Grants

Large Grants

Small Grants

Those are the published figures. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you'd clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is what the free fit check answers.

Good to know

FaithNo restriction

How to apply to Historic Environment Scotland

Historic Environment Scotland takes applications via two-stage application.

Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.

How it works

1
Describe your project. Once — used for this funder and others.
2
See if this could be a fit. Honest check on cause, place, size, and rules.
3
Draft if yes. From your real data — or move on if not.

See if Historic Environment Scotland could be a fit. Draft if yes.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Historic Environment Scotland provide?

Grant amounts vary. Contact Historic Environment Scotland directly for current funding levels.

Where does Historic Environment Scotland fund charities?

Historic Environment Scotland funds charities operating in Scotland.

Does Historic Environment Scotland accept unsolicited applications?

Historic Environment Scotland accepts unsolicited applications from eligible organisations. Current programme status is on this page — do not assume a round is open.

How do I apply for funding from Historic Environment Scotland?

Historic Environment Scotland takes applications via two-stage application. Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.