How should heritage be funded? What are the opportunities and challenges around public, private and philanthropic funding models? These are some of the key questions underpinning the 2024 Heritage Debate. This year the The Historic Environment Forum worked in partnership with The Heritage Alliance to produce a series of case studies which will contribute to the debate – sharing different models of funding heritage, as well as a diversity of views on the subject.
Hannah Cunliffe, Director of National Historic Ships UK
What type of funding has been effective in supporting your work?
National Historic Ships UK has received an annual grant from the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) since 2006 which is essential in underpinning our management of the National Registers, core staff and office costs. To undertake additional activities which support the sector, we seek grants for project work, such as our flagship Shipshape Heritage Training Partnership (SHTP) scheme which was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund Skills for the Future programme between 2014-2021. Our annual Awards Programme is maintained thanks to sponsorship from a wide range of sector organisations and our Small Grants Scheme is funded through commission received on a specialist Historic Ships Insurance Policy promoted in partnership with Winter & Co Marine Ltd. Developing income streams include the fees from our distance learning course, delivery of sector learning workshops, and publication sales, including our annual Calendar.
What setbacks have you experienced related to funding?
Some initial difficulty in applying for funding arose due to our organisational set up. This was resolved following the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding clarifying our ability to receive grants via our parent body’s exempt charity status. As a government-funded organisation, we have found some public funders will not support us on anything deemed a ‘core’ activity, even if we have insufficient resources to deliver the activity within our grant-aided budget. We are struggling to maintain staff salary levels in line with our parent body and the rest of the public sector. As a result, we are looking at creative ways to grow our income streams and build capacity. In the past, we have benefited from partnership funding bids, with us leading the project and others delivering the activity. However, this requires a reliance on others with a need to ensure they are strong enough to follow-through once funding is secured.
What solutions are required to address funding challenges in heritage?
Funding is one of the key priorities in our 2024-2028 Forward Plan following an at risk assessment which flagged 12% of vessels in the National Historic Fleet at risk, with a further 20% requiring active monitoring. We are looking to develop new application-based guidance and case studies for those seeking grant aid, as well as boost our in-house Small Grants Scheme which offers sustainability support to vessel owners. This year, we launched a Discounts Scheme for vessel owners based entirely on contributions by industry suppliers as a practical means of reducing overheads. We are also exploring options to facilitate increased self-promotion and marketing across the sector in a joined-up way, to bring greater recognition for maritime heritage and its contribution to tourism and society. With unexpected maintenance costs always an issue for vessels built of perishable materials, endowment funding needs to be re-explored and de-mystified as a tool for long-term security.
