Call for Proposals: Project Viability Grants (United Kingdom)

The Project Viability Grants provide up to £20,000 over one year to support early-stage feasibility studies for historic building projects in the UK. The funding helps organisations assess whether redevelopment, reuse, or conservation plans are financially, structurally, and socially sustainable.

What Are Project Viability Grants?

Project Viability Grants are designed to support early planning and feasibility work for historic buildings.

They help organisations determine whether a proposed project is realistic, sustainable, and viable before moving into full development or capital funding stages.

The focus is on reducing risk by funding evidence-based decision-making.

Purpose of the Grant

The grant aims to:

• Assess feasibility of historic building reuse or redevelopment
• Evaluate long-term financial and operational sustainability
• Support early-stage planning and design work
• Inform future investment decisions
• Strengthen evidence for larger funding applications
• Protect and adapt historic buildings responsibly

Funding Information

• Maximum funding: Up to £20,000
• Project duration: Up to 1 year
• Purpose: Early-stage feasibility and viability assessment

Eligible Costs

Funding can be used for professional and technical early-stage work, including:

1. Technical and Design Work

• Building surveys and condition assessments
• Concept designs and early architectural work
• Cost planning and feasibility options
• Design development and appraisal reports

2. Research and Planning

• Business planning and financial modelling
• Market research and demand analysis
• Community consultation and engagement
• Strategic planning studies

3. Legal and Governance Work

• Legal advice related to building use or ownership
• Governance planning for project delivery
• Structural or ownership arrangement analysis

4. Viability Reporting

• Full feasibility reports
• Sustainability assessments
• Project option appraisals

5. Staff and Overheads

• Project-related staff costs included
• Overheads up to 20% of total grant request
• Higher overheads only in exceptional, justified cases

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be one of the following:

• Unincorporated charities
• Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs)
• Charitable Companies Limited by Guarantee
• Charitable Community Benefit Societies
• Not-for-profit Companies Limited by Guarantee
• Community Interest Companies (CICs) limited by guarantee
• Co-operatives
• Parish and Town Councils
• Secular organisations involved in historic building reuse

Special Condition – Places of Worship

Eligible organisations include groups:

• Taking ownership of places of worship for community use
• Converting religious buildings to mixed or secular community use
• Ensuring ongoing worship is less than 50% of building use

Important Restriction

• Funding may be limited to governance/legal costs until ownership or lease is secured

What the Grant Does NOT Fund (Implied Restrictions)

While not explicitly listed, this grant typically does not support:

• Full construction or capital works
• Completed redevelopment projects
• Non-feasibility or non-planning activities
• Projects without clear historic building focus

Why This Grant Matters

Project Viability Grants help:

• Reduce financial and planning risk in heritage projects
• Protect historic buildings through informed decision-making
• Improve success rates of regeneration projects
• Support sustainable reuse of community assets
• Strengthen early-stage project evidence for future funding

How to Apply

Applicants typically:

1. Identify a historic building project
2. Define early-stage questions (feasibility, cost, use)
3. Engage professionals (architects, consultants, planners)
4. Plan research, design, and consultation activities
5. Prepare a viability and sustainability assessment plan
6. Submit application with budget and scope

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying for construction rather than feasibility work
• Lack of clear historic building relevance
• Weak justification for professional fees
• Missing community engagement component
• No clear end product (viability report or assessment)

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly define the problem the feasibility study will solve
• Include experienced consultants or partners
• Show how results will inform future funding bids
• Demonstrate heritage and community value
• Provide a clear timeline and deliverables

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are Project Viability Grants?

They are UK grants that fund early-stage feasibility studies for historic building reuse and redevelopment projects.

How much funding is available?

Up to £20,000 per project for up to one year.

What can the funding be used for?

Surveys, design work, feasibility studies, business planning, legal advice, and community consultation.

Can it fund construction work?

No, it is only for early-stage viability and planning.

Who can apply?

Not-for-profit organisations, CICs, co-operatives, and certain local government bodies.

Are places of worship eligible?

Yes, if they are being adapted for community or mixed use with limited ongoing worship.

What is the main goal of this grant?

To determine whether historic building projects are feasible and sustainable before full development.

Conclusion

The Project Viability Grants provide essential early-stage support for historic building projects by funding feasibility studies, planning, and research. By helping organisations test ideas before committing to major investment, the programme ensures that heritage assets are developed in a sustainable, evidence-based, and community-focused way.