NHS-UK has updated its list of UK funding bodies which have previously awarded or may offer grants or bursaries for:
- Historic vessel conservation
- Museums and collections
- Skills training / boatbuilding
- Maritime heritage projects
- Educational projects
- Community heritage projects
- Sail training and waterborne activities
The list includes which areas they will fund, who they will fund, the grant amount available, website and contact details. There is also a useful links section at the end of the document for general advice on funding.
Other than our own Small Grants Scheme, there are no specific funding programmes for historic vessel conservation and restoration, however there are a large number of trusts and foundations which support conservation and education programmes in general. Many councils have lists of funding sources which support local projects - check your local authority's website. You could also try contacting local businesses or large commercial companies with a local office, which may have a charitable arm willing to support your project.
The downloadable Funding list has been compiled from various sources. Some have given grants to historic vessels in the past, some have areas of interest which might include heritage, museums, skills training, or the other areas listed above. Others have been recommended or are considered worth trying. We cannot guarantee any outcomes, or that your project will be eligible for a specific programme, so please check the funder's website and guidance carefully before submitting an application.
To help us maintain this list as a useful tool for the UK historic vessel and maritime heritage sector, please let us know where you have had successes... and rebuffs. Also, if your vessel, museum, or project has received a grant from a funding body not listed here, please send us the details so we can update the list.
Funding list last updated 10/03/2025.
