Aims/priorities: The funding is for individuals or organisations, focusing on the most deprived areas, to rescue their locally cherished, at risk historic sites and buildings.
This funding will support projects which seek to repair and enhance a variety of heritage buildings to benefit the local public and community, like shops, pubs, parks, and town halls.
Projects should be located in England’s most deprived communities (Indices of deprivation 1 to 3). Projects from outside these areas may be considered where it is clearly shown that the project is serving deprived communities.
Projects must match one or more of Historic England's priorities, which are to:
- Help more people to connect with, enjoy and benefit from the historic environment.
- Use heritage to improve civic pride, prosperity, and wellbeing.
- Achieve a positive change and sustainable future for historic places, including buildings, landscapes, archaeological sites, and marine assets.
- Ensure heritage plays an important role in the fight to limit and manage the effects of climate change.
Who can apply? Both individuals and organisations can apply.
To be eligible, applicants must have legal responsibility for the repair of the property, which includes those who:
- Own the property outright.
- Hold a full repairing lease which has at least 21 years to run.
- Demonstrate that they have an agreement to acquire the property in question either outright or by a full repairing lease of at least 21 years.
Grant amount: A total of £15 million is being made available for the financial year 2025-2026.
There is no standard rate for individual grants. Grants are awarded at the discretion of Historic England and will depend on the nature of the project and the work that is needed.
The funding must be spent by 31 March 2026.
Application process: The guidance notes are available on the Historic England's website.
There is a two-step application process:
- The first step is to submit an Expression of Interest by the deadline of 30 April 2025 (23:59).
- Historic England's local offices will assess the EoIs and contact applicants by 16 May 2025.
- Those who are successful will be invited to complete a full application form by 30 May 2025.
The Expression of Interest form is available upon request by sending an email to harcapitalfund@historicengland.org.uk. Guidance for completing the Expression of Interest will be contained within the form.
Contact Historic England for further information.
Deadline: Wednesday 30 April 2025 (23:59).
Contact information: Email: harcapitalfund@historicengland.org.uk