The Architectural Heritage Fund is a registered charity founded in 1976 to promote the conservation of historic buildings in the UK. It does this by providing advice, information and financial assistance in the form of grants and low interest working capital loans for projects undertaken by building preservation trust (BPTs) and other charities throughout the UK.

Only organisations with charitable status are eligible for financial assistance from the AHF. Any charity with a qualifying project is entitled to apply for an options appraisal grant, a refundable project development grant or a loan, but the AHF’s other grants are reserved for BPTs – charities established specifically to preserve historic buildings.

Financial assistance is available only for buildings that are listed, scheduled or in a conservation area and of acknowledged historic merit. Projects must involve a change either in the ownership of a property or in its use.

Please note that the AHF cannot help private owners, or buildings in continuing long-term ownership or use.

Our activities include:

• Advising on the restoration and reuse of historic buildings which are listed or in a conservation area.
• Advising on the setting up of building preservation trusts, charities specialising in historic building regeneration.
• Giving grants to charities intending to restore historic buildings.
• Making low-interest loans to charities to help them finance projects on site.
• Providing information on sources of funds for restoring and repairing historic buildings.
• Producing helpful publications.

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E-mail details of the AHF to a friend.