National Lottery Heritage Fund Consultants
At Abbey Solutions our National Lottery Heritage Fund consultants are recognised for their hands-on, practical approach, helping your organisation secure heritage funding. We work closely with you, so you can deliver compelling expression of interest, and if successful the development application phase.
Whether you need full end-to-end support or targeted advice and support, we have the expertise to help you succeed.
Why the National Lottery Heritage Fund Matters
The National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) is one of the UK’s largest funders of heritage projects, distributing millions every year to support the conservation, restoration, and sharing of our national heritage. This includes:
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Historic buildings and monuments
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Museums and archives
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Cultural landscapes and parks
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Industrial, maritime, and transport heritage
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Community heritage and oral history projects
However, NLHF funding is highly competitive. Successful applications must demonstrate impact, inclusivity, sustainability, and public benefit, supported by robust evidence and a clear delivery plan.
Our Expertise in Heritage Fund Applications
Our consultants have raised millions of pounds for some of the UK’s most significant and iconic buildings, museums, and heritage initiatives. We have:
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Managed complex capital fundraising campaigns worth £1 million+
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Delivered successful bids for smaller but vital local projects
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Advised on heritage engagement strategies
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Guided organisations through the EOI and both the development phase and delivery phase
We understand that strategic planning, accurate budgeting, and inclusive engagement are not optional extras — they are critical to winning NLHF funding.
Inclusive Heritage – Access for Everyone
At Abbey Solutions, we believe heritage belongs to all of us. We are passionate about ensuring historic buildings, museums, and heritage sites are accessible and welcoming to everyone — regardless of background, age, or income.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund places a strong emphasis on inclusivity and community engagement. They expect applicants to:
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Develop a robust diversity and engagement strategy
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Build partnerships with local organisations
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Demonstrate meaningful community involvement, not just token consultation
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Show how your project will engage people who may feel heritage is “not for them”
Your business plan must reflect these priorities.
How Abbey Solutions Can Help You Succeed
We provide tailored support for heritage projects of all sizes, including:
Heritage Fund Application Support
- Expression of interest and development phase support
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Guidance on aligning your project with NLHF priorities
Strategic Guidance
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Development of inclusive audience engagement strategies
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Advice on governance, leadership, and sustainability planning
Capital Fundraising Campaigns
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Campaign planning and case for support development
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Securing funding from multiple sources alongside NLHF
Project Support
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Streamlined application development
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Local engagement and consultation design
Our Comprehensive Services Include:
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Advice and mentoring for trustees, project leads, and fundraising teams
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Full project appraisal to assess readiness for funding
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Developing the business plan (including diversity and inclusion strategy)
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Project management from inception to delivery
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Support with the Activity Plan to NLHF standards
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Designing and delivering community consultation
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Partner and stakeholder engagement
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Identifying additional funding sources such as Trusts and Foundations
Why Choose Abbey Solutions?
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Proven track record with both major heritage institutions and smaller community projects
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Specialist expertise in NLHF processes and assessment criteria
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Tailored support — every bid is custom-built around your project’s unique story
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High success rates in securing heritage funding, from £10,000 grants to multi-million-pound capital awards
Let’s Talk About Your Heritage Project
Whether you are restoring a landmark building, creating a new museum exhibition, or developing a community history project, our National Lottery Heritage Fund consultants can help you secure the funding you need.
Contact Abbey Solutions today for an informal discussion about your plans and how we can support your application from concept to completion.