Aims/priorities: This fund aims to support the repair and conservation of rural historic buildings and structures in England and Wales, including their gardens, grounds and outbuildings. Grants for the restoration and conservation of works of art in historic house collections open to the public will also be considered.
Funding is intended to support projects which are ready to proceed (i.e. can be started within 1-2 years) but which either do not qualify for funding from any of the mainstream sources or have been awarded only partial funding and require significant further funds to complete the resource package.
Who can apply? Applicants can be either an organisation or a private individual, having legal responsibility for the repair of an historic building, its gardens and grounds, in England or Wales.
The Foundation would normally expect the applicant to own the building or estate, or hold a full repairing lease with not less than 20 years to run, or be able to demonstrate that the applicant has a legally binding agreement to acquire such a building or estate.
Grant amount: The minimum grant that can be applied for is £1,000 and the maximum is £250,000. Larger awards will only be made in exceptional circumstances. Most grants are for less than £50,000.
Application process: Full application forms are considered at quarterly meetings held throughout the year.
The Foundation operates a two-stage application process. Pre-application forms are available to complete online or download from the Foundation's website. If successful, the Foundation will arrange a site visit to make an initial check of the suitability and feasibility of the project prior to completion of the full application form.
Applications must be supported by a professional adviser or specialist contractor's report, as well as colour photographs that show the extent and urgency of the project.
The trust aims to respond to all pre-application forms within 28 days of receipt.
Deadline: Pre-applications forms can be submitted at any time.
Contact information: Email: info@historichousesfoundation.org.uk
Website: Historic Houses Foundation