Mid Ulster District Council has introduced a Heritage Readiness Grant Pilot Programme to support owners and custodians of local heritage assets in carrying out the essential groundwork needed to secure larger-scale investment.

The initiative will fund preparatory activity often required before applying to major heritage funders. Eligible heritage organisations, community groups, businesses and private individuals responsible for a heritage building, site, collection or asset can seek grants ranging from £3,000 to £10,000, covering up to 70% of eligible costs.

Welcoming the scheme, Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Deirdre Varsani, said: "Mid Ulster is home to a rich and diverse heritage that tells the story of our people, places and traditions. We know that many heritage organisations, community groups and owners of historic assets have ambitious plans but can struggle to access the specialist studies and professional advice needed to secure larger funding opportunities.

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"This new Heritage Readiness Grant Pilot Programme has been designed to bridge that gap. By supporting essential preparatory work, we can help unlock future investment, protect our valuable heritage assets and ensure they continue to be enjoyed and appreciated by future generations. I would encourage anyone considering an application to attend the information session and find out how this funding could help bring their project forward."

Funding can support work commonly required by major funders, such as condition surveys, conservation management plans, feasibility studies, business plans, and the cataloguing and assessment of archives and collections. The programme seeks to bolster Mid Ulster's heritage sector and catalyse further investment across historic buildings, natural heritage sites, archives and collections.

As a pilot, the pot is limited and applications will be assessed competitively. Applications open at 9am on Monday 2 November 2026 and close at 12 noon on Monday 23 November 2026.

An online briefing for prospective applicants will be held on Wednesday 4 November 2026 at 12 noon, and attendance is strongly encouraged to learn about eligibility and the application process.

Full guidance and application forms will be available at www.midulstercouncil.org/heritagereadiness.