Deadline: 19-Jan-2026
The Architectural Heritage Fund’s programmes in Northern Ireland offer meaningful opportunities for community organisations that wish to revive historic buildings and give them new purpose.
Through its Harnessing Heritage programme, funding is available to help groups explore, plan and develop projects that preserve cultural assets while serving social and economic needs in their communities.
Under this initiative, the Project Viability Grant and Village Catalyst Project Viability Grant can each provide up to £10,000. These grants are designed to help organisations assess the feasibility of saving a building, understand its condition, explore viable new uses and plan the next stages of development. Once a project proves viable, applicants can apply for a Project Development Grant, also under the Harnessing Heritage or Village Catalyst schemes, which can provide up to £20,000 to support more detailed work such as business planning, design, and preparing for capital investment.
The funding is open to a wide range of not-for-private-profit organisations, including unincorporated groups that intend to incorporate, Charitable Incorporated Organisations, Charitable Companies Limited by Guarantee, Charitable Community Benefit Societies, Community Benefit Societies, not-for-private-profit Companies Limited by Guarantee, and Community Interest Companies limited by guarantee. Parish and Town Councils are also eligible. Independent secular organisations that seek to take ownership of a place of worship, or organisations connected with a worshipping community wishing to establish an independent body to manage such a building, may also apply, provided the space will retain limited religious use and primarily serve wider community purposes. In Northern Ireland, however, the Fund cannot support projects that include ongoing or regular worship activity.
Certain applicants are not eligible for support. These include private individuals, local authorities and other public bodies except Parish and Town Councils, universities, mainstream educational institutions, and for-profit companies unless they are working in partnership with a not-for-profit lead. Unincorporated organisations that do not plan to incorporate, groups with fewer than three trustees or directors, and churches intending to continue using their buildings primarily for worship are also ineligible.
For community-based organisations in Northern Ireland, this funding provides a powerful means to transform heritage buildings into spaces that foster inclusion, creativity and local growth. By combining cultural preservation with practical community benefit, the programme helps breathe new life into old structures, ensuring they continue to serve as vital assets for future generations.
For more information, visit The Architectural Heritage Fund.