Funding Guidelines
Applicants must be UK registered charities or public authorities.
Our heritage conservation grants are typically under £5,000, but occasionally larger.
We prefer to give grants to smaller projects, or specific elements of projects, where our contribution can have a greater impact.
The trustees will consider applications relating to historic objects, works of art and architectural decorations and fittings of artistic merit, which date prior to 1837.
These might include individual paintings, sculpture and monuments, wall paintings and non-structural architectural fittings such as decorative plaster work and panelling. They will also consider applications relating to archaeological finds, items within archives and libraries and other decorative art objects.
Applications for heritage conservation must be accompanied by a fully costed estimate and condition assessment carried out by an appropriately qualified conservator, normally Accredited with the Institute of Conservation (ICON).
Trustees are also willing to support applications to fund costs related to the completion of a full conservation survey and assessment, in cases where a more detailed understanding of conservation priorities and potential works is required.
One off costs related to site visits and quotations are not eligible for funding.
We do not fund:
- items that are Victorian or later in date, i.e. post 1837
- new buildings or structural repairs, such as roof repairs, mechanical and electrical services, archaeological structures, such as earthworks and ditches etc
- cost related to displays and exhibitions, such as catalogues and publications, display cases and interpretation etc
- equipment and materials relating to environmental control and protection, such as UV film, blinds and storage
- general appeals for funding without details of specific, eligible works. Including applications for core costs related to the running of an organisation
- general heritage education, outreach and audience development projects
- bell restoration projects, unless the bells and their fittings are substantially pre-1837 in date and the aim is to conserve original elements as far as possible, consistent with safe use
- organ conservation, unless instruments are substantially pre-1837 in date and the aim is to conserve an original action and/or casework
Payment of Grants
If you are offered a grant we ask you to agree to our grant conditions. We pay our conservation grants on completion of the project.
Conditions of grant
- The grant is solely for the project described in the application. Any changes must be notified to us in advance and approved by us.
- Any part of the grant that is not required for the approved project must be refunded to the Trust.
- The Leche Trust must be acknowledged in any publicity material connected to the project.
- The grantee will inform us when the project has been completed and will provide a copy of the conservator’s report.
If any of the conditions are not complied with, we reserve the right to cancel the offer of grant, or to claim repayment of the grant if already paid.
Please click the link below to see an example copy of the questions on the conservation application form. You must use the online application portal to apply to the scheme.
The Benefactor Cloud database opens for applications 10-12 weeks before the Trustees' meeting when decisions will be made (see timetable for 2024-25 on What We Fund page). At other times the database is 'locked'.
Note: when you have completed your form you must click 'submit' for your application to become live.