More Lottery cash for black groups

Projects exploring black culture have received funding

Ethnic minority groups are being encouraged to apply for funding for projects celebrating their cultural heritage.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) is holding a conference in London on Tuesday to inform community groups about funding opportunities.

The move is part of a drive by the HLF to increase the amount of cash it gives to minority groups.

Since it was set up six years ago the HLF has awarded more than 10,000 grants with a combined value of more than £1.8 billion.

The HLF is committed to developing relationships with Britain's black and ethnic community groups

Anthea Case
Heritage Lottery Fund

The HLF said that by holding the conference for minority groups during October's annual Black History Month it hoped to raise awareness of its potential as a partner to help research and celebrate ethnic minority history and culture.

Earlier this month the HLF announced awards worth £600,000 to help 42 ethnic minority community groups across the UK.

'Innovative projects'

The HLF's director, Anthea Case, said they recognised there were often barriers to sections of society, and in particular ethnic minority communities obtaining funding.

Anthea Case wants more minority groups to apply for funding

Ms Case said:. "The HLF is committed to developing relationships with Britain's black and ethnic community groups, to build partnerships and to making it easier for everyone to benefit from Lottery money.

"We have funded a range of exciting and innovative projects across the UK which explore and celebrate black histories and cultures.

"We are very keen to build on this, especially as more and more black and ethnic communities across the UK are coming to us to apply for funding."

The largest grant of £365,000 was awarded to the Wellingborough Racial Equality Council to record the history of black, Asian and other minority ethnic communities in Northamptonshire over the past three centuries.

Smaller grants totalling £160,000 were also awarded under a separate scheme to help 38 London groups which promote ethnic minority culture.