Local support
86 respondents (25%) mentioned the importance of locally available support, linked to increased access to information about funding and enthusiasm for outreach work.

50 respondents (14%) highlighted the importance of personal contact with development and casework staff; mentoring support and advice from staff is valued throughout the process, not just at preapplication stage. The style of support offered by the Local Heritage Initiative is mentioned as exemplary, with widespread recognition, often from larger well-established organisations, that this type of help is needed by smaller voluntary and community groups. Development support is also seen as particularly valuable when tailored to the needs of under-represented groups.

‘The initial contact with the HLF is vital in looking at how funds are accessed and whether less experienced or smaller organisations can successfully apply for funding. The support process has to be in place at all stages if funding is to be truly accessible.’
Independent Museum Director, North West.

25 respondents (7%) wanted more information about how to get funding and about lottery-funded projects, mentioning particularly: increased use of media to advertise funding opportunities and to raise awareness of funded projects; increasing requirements on grantees to publicly acknowledge their grant; and use of regional and local networks as promotion channels. 21 respondents (6%) wanted more outreach workshops to encourage applications and provide help with the process.