Frequently Asked Questions on Heritage Lottery Fund applications
For further information see HLF's own draft guidance - 'Archives, People and Communities'(also available in Welsh)
Can I get funding for cataloguing? Try not to think of submitting a 'cataloguing' project to HLF. Rather think about how you can meet the needs of new or existing audiences. If some cataloguing is essential to the success of the project then you may want to include this in your project plan and costings. HLF will provide funds for project staffing to enable cataloguing work to take place. However, each project must meet HLF strategic priorities so projects must also include elements that address the need to 'increase opportunities for learning about heritage', and 'open up heritage resources and sites to the widest possible audiences'.
I want my project to include conservation/ preservation/digitisation elements but I am not an expert in these areas - what do I do? The HLF will not expect your organisation to have expertise in all aspects of the project you are developing. What they will want to see is that you are aware of where you need to draw on expertise elsewhere both at the planning and delivery stages of the project. A good place to start for advice on planning these aspects of a projects is the Collections Link website.
Does HLF fund acquisitions? HLF can give grants towards the acquisition of materials. However, any project must include activities promoting access to the purchased item or collection so that it meets the HLF strategic priorities to 'increase opportunities for learning about heritage, and open up heritage resources and sites to the widest possible audiences'. For more information see HLF's guidance notes on 'Buying Heritage Items and Collections' (also available in Welsh).
Can I cost my own time as part of the project? HLF will not normally give funding for existing staff costs. However, if you are part-time they may be able to fund an extension in your working hours to deliver the project. If you are being seconded across to the project, then HLF may be willing to pay for your post to be back-filled whilst you are working on the project.
Can I employ project staff as part of a project? Yes. The need for any post must be demonstrated in the application but you can employ fixed staff as part of the project. Remember to include on-costs in your project budget (such as National Insurance, Pension (if applicable) rather than just the salary cost. Also think about what training this person might need and what skills they might be able to bring to the project, and share with existing staff. The HLF have produced specific guidance on Positive Action Traineeships.
Are there application deadlines for 'Your Heritage' grants? No. You can apply year round. However, your own project planning should make allowance for the HLF assessment process. For 'Your Heritage' applications this is three months. You must also allow enough time for the finalisation of your contract with HLF and the transfer of funds before the project starts.
