Submit Applications for Project Development Grant (United Kingdom)

The Project Development Grant Scheme provides financial support to not-for-profit organisations for developing historic building projects from the early planning stage through to the start of capital works. Grants help cover professional advice, project management, business planning, community engagement, and funding preparation.

Organisations can apply for up to £20,000 per application, with a maximum of £45,000 per project through successive applications. Projects can be funded for up to one year.

Overview

The Project Development Grant Scheme helps organisations prepare historic building projects for successful delivery by funding the planning and development work required before construction or restoration begins.

The programme supports feasibility studies, project planning, organisational capacity building, and professional expertise to ensure projects are well prepared for capital investment.

Programme Objectives

Core Objectives

• Support the development of historic building projects.
• Help organisations progress from feasibility to capital works.
• Strengthen organisational capacity.
• Improve project planning and management.
• Encourage sustainable heritage regeneration.
• Increase project readiness for future capital funding.

What the Grant Supports

Project Planning

Funding may support:

• Feasibility studies
• Project development
• Architectural planning
• Design development
• Preparation for construction

Professional Advice

Applicants may appoint professional advisers, including:

• Architects
• Surveyors
• Structural engineers
• Conservation specialists
• Other technical consultants

Project Management

Funding can support:

• Project managers
• Project coordinators
• Specialist consultancy services
• Capacity-building staff

Business Planning

Eligible activities include:

• Business plan development
• Financial planning
• Sustainability planning
• Funding strategy development

Community Engagement

Projects may include:

• Community consultations
• Stakeholder engagement
• Volunteer involvement
• Public participation activities

Funding Preparation

Support is available for:

• Preparing funding applications
• Developing investment proposals
• Building evidence for future capital funding
• Grant application support

Funding Information

Grant Amount

• Up to £20,000 per application
• Maximum £45,000 per project through multiple applications for successive development stages

Assessment Process

Applications requesting up to £20,000 are assessed through a shorter assessment timescale.

Grant Period

• Up to 12 months

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to eligible not-for-profit organisations and the lowest tiers of local government.

Eligible Applicants

Applications are accepted from:

• Unincorporated organisations
• Registered charities
• Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisations (SCIOs)
• Charitable Companies Limited by Guarantee
• Community Benefit Societies
• Not-for-profit Companies Limited by Guarantee
• Community Interest Companies (CICs) Limited by Guarantee whose activities align with recognised charitable purposes
• Community Councils
• Independent secular organisations seeking ownership of a place of worship that will continue to have some religious use
• Organisations associated with a worshipping community that are establishing an independent secular organisation to take ownership of a place of worship

Special Eligibility for Places of Worship

Where ownership of a place of worship has not yet been transferred, funding is generally limited to:

• Governance costs
• Legal costs
• Organisational establishment costs
• Activities related to securing ownership or a long-term lease

Eligible Activities

Projects may include:

• Feasibility assessments
• Architectural design
• Heritage planning
• Engineering assessments
• Conservation planning
• Project coordination
• Business planning
• Community consultation
• Capacity building
• Funding strategy development

Expected Outcomes

Funded projects should contribute to:

• Well-developed heritage projects
• Improved organisational capacity
• Stronger project management
• Better community engagement
• Increased readiness for capital works
• Sustainable reuse of historic buildings
• Successful future funding applications

Why This Grant Matters

Heritage Conservation

• Helps safeguard historic buildings.
• Supports long-term conservation planning.
• Encourages sustainable restoration.

Organisational Development

• Builds leadership and governance capacity.
• Improves project management skills.
• Strengthens financial planning.

Community Impact

• Encourages local participation.
• Builds community ownership.
• Supports heritage-led regeneration.

Funding Readiness

• Improves project quality before construction.
• Increases the likelihood of securing larger capital grants.
• Reduces project delivery risks.

How to Apply

Step 1

Confirm that your organisation meets the eligibility requirements.

Step 2

Identify the development activities needed before capital works can begin.

Step 3

Prepare a project development plan outlining objectives, activities, timelines, and expected outcomes.

Step 4

Obtain quotations or proposals from professional advisers where required.

Step 5

Prepare a detailed project budget.

Step 6

Submit your application with supporting organisational and project documentation.

Step 7

If additional development stages are required, submit future applications up to the maximum project funding limit.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly explain the historic significance of the building.
• Demonstrate why development funding is needed before construction.
• Include experienced professional advisers.
• Show strong organisational governance.
• Present a realistic budget and timeline.
• Explain long-term sustainability plans.
• Highlight community involvement and future benefits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying before defining project objectives.
• Submitting incomplete budgets.
• Failing to demonstrate organisational capacity.
• Providing insufficient evidence of community benefit.
• Requesting ineligible activities.
• Not explaining how development work leads to future capital projects.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Project Development Grant Scheme?

It is a grant programme that helps not-for-profit organisations develop historic building projects from the planning stage to readiness for capital works.

How much funding is available?

Applicants can request up to £20,000 per application and up to £45,000 per project through multiple development-stage applications.

How long can projects last?

Projects can be funded for up to one year.

Who can apply?

Eligible not-for-profit organisations, charities, Community Interest Companies, Community Councils, Community Benefit Societies, SCIOs, and certain organisations connected with places of worship.

What can the funding be used for?

Funding supports professional advisers, architects, engineers, project managers, business planning, community engagement, feasibility studies, and funding preparation.

Can organisations apply more than once?

Yes. Organisations may submit applications for successive development stages until reaching the maximum funding limit of £45,000 per project.

Does the scheme fund construction work?

No. The programme focuses on project development and preparation before capital works begin.

Conclusion

The Project Development Grant Scheme helps not-for-profit organisations transform historic building ideas into well-planned, investment-ready projects. By funding professional expertise, organisational development, business planning, and community engagement, the programme strengthens heritage conservation efforts and prepares projects for successful restoration, regeneration, and long-term sustainability.