Cheshire East Council welcomes heritage sector support

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has launched a £50m emergency response package to support the heritage community following the Covid-19 crisis. 

The Heritage Emergency Fund is accepting applications for funding from £3,000 to £50,000 and is available to organisations across a full breadth of heritage including:

• Historic sites;
• Industrial and maritime heritage;
• Museums;
• Libraries and archives;
• Parks and gardens; and
• Landscapes and nature

The support package also includes increased advice and support along with longer-term skills and capacity-building initiatives.

Councillor Nick Mannion, portfolio holder with responsibility for culture and heritage, said: “We very much welcome the support offered to the heritage sector by the National Lottery Heritage Fund – I would urge anyone who feels they are eligible, to apply.

“Cheshire East Council recognises the value of its rich heritage and tourism sector, including our listed buildings and conservation areas. We are working to keep businesses, organisations and individuals informed of the support packages available to them during the Covid-19 crisis, and are sharing the latest guidance, resources and workshops that are on offer, as and when we find them.

“It is a key focus to support organisations to actively deal with immediate risks, helping them to become more stable as they work towards their longer-term plans. 

“By sharing initiatives such as this, we hope that organisations within our borough can continue to work together in these challenging times and access short-term funding to support any immediate actions and unforeseen risks presented during this crisis.”

Applications opened on Wednesday 15 April and will close on Tuesday 30 June.

Applicants must be:

• a not-for-profit organisation;
• a current or previous recipient of a grant directly from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and;
• an owner, manager or representative of heritage, or have an evidenced track record in delivering participatory heritage activity

Further details, advice and guidance for individuals and organisations looking to apply for the emergency response package is available at: heritagefund.org.uk/funding/heritage-emergency-fund