Deadline: 31-Dec-2026

The Project Viability Grants Programme provides funding to help not-for-profit organisations assess the feasibility of restoring, repairing, or repurposing heritage buildings. Grants of up to £15,000 support studies that produce a comprehensive Viability Report, helping organisations plan future restoration projects and secure larger funding opportunities. The programme focuses on understanding a building’s condition, potential uses, repair requirements, and project viability.

Project Viability Grants Programme Overview

The Project Viability Grants Programme provides financial support for early-stage feasibility studies that assess whether a heritage building project is practical, sustainable, and ready for future investment.

The programme funds professional assessments that result in a Viability Report, which guides the next stages of project development and funding applications.

Purpose of the Programme

The Project Viability Grants Programme aims to:

• Assess the future potential of heritage buildings
• Support early-stage project planning
• Identify suitable future uses for historic buildings
• Evaluate building condition and repair requirements
• Develop sustainable restoration and reuse strategies
• Prepare organisations for future capital funding applications

Key concept: Viability Report

A Viability Report is a professional assessment that evaluates whether a heritage project is practical, financially sustainable, and suitable for future investment. It provides recommendations for restoration, adaptive reuse, estimated costs, and long-term management.

Funding Information

The programme offers funding for feasibility studies and project planning.

• Maximum grant amount: £15,000
• Project duration: Up to 1 year

The funding is intended for professional studies rather than construction or restoration work.

What the Grant Supports

Project Viability Grants typically fund:

• Initial assessment of a building’s condition
• Building surveys and inspections
• Identification of repair needs
• Feasibility studies
• Development of potential future uses
• Outline architectural design solutions
• Heritage-sensitive restoration planning
• Cost estimates for repair and conversion works
• Preparation of a standard Viability Report

Who is Eligible?

The programme is open to eligible not-for-profit organisations and certain local government bodies.

Eligible applicants include:

• Unincorporated organisations intending to incorporate
• Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs)
• Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisations (SCIOs)
• Charitable Companies Limited by Guarantee
• Charitable Community Benefit Societies
• Community Benefit Societies
• Not-for-private-profit Companies Limited by Guarantee
• Community Interest Companies (CICs) Limited by Guarantee
• Parish Councils
• Town Councils
• Independent secular organisations seeking ownership of places of worship that will retain limited religious use
• Organisations associated with worshipping communities establishing independent secular ownership arrangements

Special Eligibility for Places of Worship

Projects involving places of worship may be eligible if:

• Ownership or a long-term lease is being established
• Funding is used for governance or legal costs related to ownership
• Ongoing worship represents less than half of the building’s proposed use
• In Northern Ireland, projects involving continuing regular worship are not eligible

Ineligibility Criteria

The programme does not accept applications from:

• Private individuals
• Local authorities and public sector bodies (except Parish and Town Councils or those applying on behalf of organisations in formation)
• Universities and colleges
• Mainstream educational institutions
• Independent schools
• For-profit companies applying independently
• Unincorporated organisations with no intention of incorporating
• Organisations with fewer than three Trustees or Directors
• Organisations where all three Trustees or Directors are closely related
• Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)

How the Project Viability Grant Works (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your organisation meets the not-for-profit and governance requirements.

Step 2: Identify the Heritage Building

Select the building requiring feasibility assessment and future planning.

Step 3: Commission Professional Studies

Arrange for qualified professionals to undertake:

• Building condition surveys
• Heritage assessments
• Architectural feasibility studies
• Cost estimation

Step 4: Prepare the Viability Report

The report should include:

• Current building condition
• Repair requirements
• Potential future uses
• Design recommendations
• Estimated project costs
• Long-term sustainability assessment

Step 5: Submit the Funding Application

Provide organisational information, project details, and evidence that the feasibility study aligns with programme objectives.

Step 6: Complete the Study

Carry out the feasibility work within the approved project period of up to one year.

Why This Programme Matters

The Project Viability Grants Programme helps organisations:

• Make informed investment decisions
• Protect historic and heritage buildings
• Reduce project risks before major funding applications
• Improve long-term sustainability
• Strengthen heritage conservation
• Develop practical restoration strategies
• Build stronger funding applications for future capital projects

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying as an ineligible organisation
• Requesting funding for construction instead of feasibility work
• Failing to demonstrate heritage value
• Submitting incomplete governance information
• Having fewer than three independent Trustees or Directors
• Ignoring ownership or lease requirements for heritage properties
• Proposing projects outside the one-year study period

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly explain why a viability study is needed
• Demonstrate the heritage significance of the building
• Show how the study will inform future restoration
• Include experienced professional consultants where appropriate
• Present realistic timelines and budgets
• Highlight long-term community and heritage benefits
• Ensure governance arrangements meet eligibility requirements

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is a Project Viability Grant?

It is funding for feasibility studies that assess the future use, condition, repair needs, and financial viability of heritage building projects.

2. How much funding is available?

Applicants can receive up to £15,000.

3. How long can projects last?

Projects can run for up to one year.

4. Can the grant be used for construction work?

No. The funding supports feasibility studies and viability assessments, not building repairs or construction.

5. Who can apply?

Eligible not-for-profit organisations, Community Interest Companies, Community Benefit Societies, Parish and Town Councils, and certain organisations managing heritage places of worship.

6. Are universities or private companies eligible?

No. Universities, mainstream educational institutions, and private companies applying independently are not eligible.

7. What is the purpose of the Viability Report?

The report helps organisations understand the building’s condition, identify future uses, estimate repair costs, and prepare for larger restoration funding opportunities.

Conclusion

The Project Viability Grants Programme provides essential early-stage funding for organisations seeking to preserve and repurpose heritage buildings. By supporting professional feasibility studies and Viability Reports, the programme helps organisations make informed decisions before investing in major restoration projects.

Through careful planning, heritage-sensitive design, and strong governance, successful applicants can build a solid foundation for future conservation funding and ensure the long-term sustainability of important historic buildings.

For more information, visit The Architectural Heritage Fund.