National Heritage Memorial Fund

NHMF funds capital projects for the acquisition, conservation, restoration and maintenance of nationally significant heritage across all UK nations. This includes historic houses, museums, libraries, landscapes, archaeological finds, artworks, manuscripts, scientific collections and transport icons. It supports a wide range of heritage, from buildings and monuments to natural landscapes and cultural treasures. The fund is for projects that are of the highest national importance and face immediate threat. Beneficiaries include public sector bodies, local authorities and not-for-profit organisations with a proven ability to provide public benefit and long-term stewardship. The fund has saved over 1,400 assets since its inception.

Eligible applicants include UK-registered charities, charitable incorporated organisations, community interest companies and social enterprises. Public sector bodies and local authorities are also welcome. The fund is open to organisations that demonstrate national importance of the heritage, imminent risk, and that alternative funding sources have been exhausted. Applicants must be based in the UK and have proven capacity for public benefit and long-term stewardship. No religious restrictions apply. NHMF funds organisations only, not individuals. The fund serves all UK nations.

NHMF does not fund operational costs, core running expenses or viable non-emergency projects. It is a fund of last resort, so projects that can attract support from other sources are not eligible. The fund focuses on capital projects only, so ongoing revenue costs are excluded.

NHMF provides capital grants for acquisition, conservation, restoration and maintenance. It acts as a fund of last resort, intervening quickly when heritage is in peril. The fund accepts unsolicited applications.