National Heritage Memorial Fund

The National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF), established in 1980 by the National Heritage Act as a memorial to those who gave their lives for the UK, serves as a fund of last resort to rescue outstanding heritage assets at imminent risk of loss. Succeeding the 1946 National Land Fund, it safeguards exceptional historic, artistic, cultural, scientific, architectural, or natural treasures—such as artworks, manuscripts, buildings, landscapes, archaeological finds, and transport icons—for perpetual public access, ensuring Britain's national story endures. Governed by a Prime Minister-appointed board and expert staff, NHMF prioritizes impartial, transparent stewardship of public funds, intervening rapidly in crises to protect irreplaceable assets like the Staffordshire Hoard or Flying Scotsman.

It funds capital projects for acquisition, conservation, restoration, and maintenance of nationally significant heritage across all UK nations, supporting museums, libraries, historic houses, wildlife trusts, and preservation charities. Beneficiaries include public sector bodies, local authorities, and not-for-profits with proven capacity for public benefit and long-term stewardship; no religious restrictions apply.

Eligible applicants must be UK-registered charities or equivalents based in the UK, demonstrating national importance, risk, and exhausted alternative funding. Typical grants range from £100,000 to £5 million. Applications start with a mandatory online project enquiry form (feedback in 10 days), progressing to full submission if invited; rolling basis with quarterly trustee decisions (March, June, September, December), plus urgent reviews.

NHMF excludes operational costs, core running expenses, or viable non-emergency projects, distinguishing itself as the UK's sole national public fund for "the best of the best" heritage in peril, having saved over 1,400 assets.