This section outlines the key areas that you will need to consider in order to make a successful HLF funding application. Your country or regional HLF Development Officer will be able to offer you more guidance about what is required.
Project duration
We fund projects. We do not fund the day-to-day activities of organisations. You must have a well-defined project with a clear start and end date. For some of the grant programmes we can fund projects for up to 5 years, although most are usually between 12 months and 3 years.
Project results
You will need to be clear about what you intend to produce at the end of your project. For example, you can undertake preliminary research relating to the slave trade in your area but the focus of your project must include an exhibition, trail or resource that will enable the wider community to engage in and share the results of your work. We cannot fund research as an end in itself.
Partnerships
As a community-based or voluntary organisation you are eligible to apply for funding. We recommend that you secure the involvement of partners or organisations like your local museum, library, archive or historic house. These institutions should be able to provide you with additional resources and access to records and objects which will help you to shape and provide context for your project. Equitable partnerships can often provide opportunities to collaborate in new and exciting ways. Our regional and country offices may be able to advise you about possible partners. We also recognise that some organisations may prefer, at least in the first instance, to develop and deliver their project independently and we respect their decision to do so.
Websites and publications
If you intend to produce a website or publication, it must be part of a larger project that involves people and will share the results of your work with a wider audience. The website or publication, CDRom or DVD cannot be an end in itself.
Eligible costs
The full HLF application pack identifies the project costs that we may be able to fund. These include, for example, equipment, materials, project staff costs and UK travel expenses. All costs must be directly related to the project – we cannot fund travel or activities overseas.