Heritage of London Trust Limited

Heritage of London Trust Limited, an independent charity founded in 1980 by the Greater London Council, is dedicated to rescuing, restoring, and conserving historic buildings, monuments, and structures at risk across Greater London’s 32 boroughs and the City of London. Its mission emphasizes stewardship, public access, inclusivity, and education, blending expert conservation with community benefits to revive neglected heritage for local enjoyment and social good. Distinctively hands-on, the Trust co-designs projects with applicants, prioritizes youth engagement through its Proud Places programme (involving young people in every initiative since 2020), and targets under-celebrated sites with strong community resonance.

It funds capital works like emergency repairs, full restorations, condition surveys, feasibility studies, and linked educational activities, focusing on assets of historic or architectural merit—regardless of listing—that deliver tangible public access, local pride, skills opportunities, and revitalization, especially for underserved communities, youth, and occasionally refugees.

Eligible applicants include UK-registered charities, community groups, and local authorities with no income thresholds, provided projects are in Greater London, unfinished, publicly accessible, and demonstrate community benefit. Typical grants range from £5,000 to £50,000, awarded via an open online application form on a rolling basis with no deadlines; staff review submissions, conduct site visits, and guide development, with decisions in several months.

Exclusions cover routine maintenance, core costs, completed works, or non-public sites. What sets HOLT apart is its London-exclusive focus, catalytic funding to unlock partnerships, mandatory youth involvement, and sustained oversight for measurable, sustainable impact.