Advance Notice – Heritage Council Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2027

The 2027 Community Heritage Grant Scheme will introduce a new two-stage application process and an earlier application timeline, giving community groups more time to develop projects and reducing the amount of work required before they know if their project is likely to progress.

What’s Changing?

For 2027, the scheme will introduce a new two-stage application process.

The new approach is designed to:

? Reduce the amount of work required at the initial stage

? Allow groups to put forward project ideas before investing significant time in a full application

? Give applicants a longer lead-in time to develop projects, seek advice and gather supporting information

? Provide earlier feedback on whether a project is likely to be competitive under the scheme

? Enable the Heritage Council to assess initial proposals quickly and identify projects that are best suited to progress

Stage 1 – Expression of Interest (EOI)

Opens: Mid-September 2026

Applicants will be asked to complete a short form providing:

• A brief description of their project idea

• The heritage involved

• The need or opportunity being addressed

• Community benefits

• The scheme theme most closely aligned with the project

The EOI is intended to be straightforward and proportionate. Applicants will not be required to submit detailed budgets, quotations, permissions or extensive supporting documentation at this stage. The aim is to provide a quick and accessible first step for applicants while enabling the Heritage Council to identify projects with strong potential.

Following assessment, shortlisted applicants will be invited to proceed to Stage 2.

Stage 2 – Full Application

Invitations issued: Early November 2026

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a full application.

The Stage 2 application period will remain open until mid-January 2027, giving applicants time to:

• Develop their proposals in greater detail

• Gather quotations and supporting documents

• Seek specialist advice where required

• Obtain permissions and approvals

• Build partnerships and strengthen project plans

Stage 2 applications will be assessed through a competitive scoring process.

Five Scheme Themes

Applicants will be asked to align their project with one of five themes:

1. Heritage at Risk

Supporting practical action to identify, protect and stabilise heritage that is at immediate risk of loss or deterioration.

1. Biodiversity & Nature Restoration

Supporting projects that deliver meaningful biodiversity outcomes while strengthening community understanding and stewardship of natural heritage.

1. Traditional Skills & Conservation

Supporting the transfer of traditional skills and conservation knowledge through practical learning and participation.

1. Digital Heritage, Access & Storytelling

Supporting projects that improve access to heritage through digitisation, digital engagement and storytelling.

1. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Supporting projects that broaden participation in heritage and amplify underrepresented voices, experiences and stories.

Further information on the themes, eligibility criteria and application requirements will be circulated in the coming weeks.