A new £50m fund to support heritage organisations at risk due to the coronavirus crisis has been launched.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund will provide crisis funding for those most in need, and investment in digital skills. This includes providing expertise in areas such as digital fundraising, use of social media and communications, and running online events and activities.
A survey of heritage organisations showed 82% reported a high or moderate risk to their organisation’s long-term viability. More than a this (35%) said their financial reserves will be depleted within four months.
Heritage minister Nigel Huddleston said: ‘It is important that we do all we can to ensure our nation’s remarkable heritage landscapes, buildings and monuments - and the hardworking organisations that protect them - are supported at this difficult time.
‘Heritage plays an important role in our communities by supporting jobs and economic growth as well as helping us to understand our shared past. This new £50m package from the National Lottery Heritage Fund will help to protect our most at risk heritage throughout this unprecedented period.’