The Radcliffe Trust’s Heritage & Crafts Scheme is open to applications from UK organisations working to support and sustain heritage skills, traditional crafts and related training.

The scheme offers funding for specific, clearly defined projects that strengthen the heritage and crafts sector. Applications are assessed by the Trust’s Heritage & Crafts Committee, with final decisions made by the Trustees.

Who can apply

Applications must be made on behalf of a:

  • UK charity, not-for-profit or exempt organisation

  • Organisation based in the UK

  • Organisation applying for funding for a specific project, not a general appeal or endowment

If you have applied before, at least one year must have passed since your last successful application. Organisations that have received three consecutive years of funding must take a one-year break before applying again.

Bursaries and other support fees are normally paid directly to the training organisation, rather than to individuals.

What the scheme does not fund

The Heritage & Crafts Scheme does not support:

  • Retrospective projects (projects that start before the trustees’ meeting)

  • General appeals or endowment funds

  • Applications from individuals

  • Mainstream schools

  • Capital or core costs

  • Projects focused mainly on nature, landscapes, gardens or environmental conservation

  • Projects that are primarily social or therapeutic

  • Projects mainly for equipment or materials

  • Conceptual art

  • Conference fees or related costs

Church of England churches cannot apply directly. Funding for the conservation of historic furnishings and artworks in Church of England churches in England must be made through the Church Buildings Council. Applications from other denominations can be made directly to the Radcliffe Trust.

Application windows and deadlines

There are two application rounds each year:

For July trustee consideration

  • Application window: 1 November to 31 January

  • Projects must not start before 1 July, except in exceptional circumstances

For December trustee consideration

  • Application window: 1 May to 31 July

  • Projects must not start before 1 January following the trustees’ meeting, except in exceptional circumstances

Reporting and monitoring

Successful applicants will be required to:

  • Send a letter of acknowledgement when the grant is received

  • Submit an annual report before each instalment is released

  • Complete a final report at the end of the project

Reports should clearly describe the impact of the funding, as well as any learning that will inform future work.

How to apply

Before applying, organisations are encouraged to carefully review the eligibility criteria and exclusions.

You can:

  • Download the application questions (Word format)

  • Complete the application form

  • Read the frequently asked questions

Find full details and apply here

Application form

For queries or support, email: [email protected]