Young Roots

What is it? The Heritage Lottery Fund’s Young Roots programme supports projects that engage young people in the UK with heritage. The idea is to get the message across that heritage can be about far more than stately homes.

Grants are awarded to partnerships of heritage and youth organisations that help young people create and deliver their own projects in safe environments.

How much is available? Organisations can apply for grants of between £10,000 and £50,000 if certain criteria are met. Applicants must be able to show that they are bringing together both heritage and youth work expertise.

Projects should include opportunities to celebrate young people’s achievements, through an award or certificate. The project must also relate to the diverse cultural heritage of the UK. Grants are available to community or voluntary groups, community interest companies, charities or trusts, social enterprises, parish councils and local authorities.

What will it fund? Grants can be given to a wide variety of projects, such as the restoration of a vintage motorbike, designing a new nature trail or documenting changes to a community over time.

Projects might also relate to archaeological sites, collections of objects, books or documents in museums, libraries or archives, cultural traditions such as stories, festivals, crafts, music, dance and costumes, or historical buildings.

Projects are expected to deliver a range of outcomes for young people including learning about heritage and changes in their attitudes or behaviour.

When is the deadline? Young Roots is a rolling programme, meaning you can apply anytime. Applications will be assessed within eight weeks.

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