03.08.2026
From hands-on workshops and exhibitions to local celebrations, heritage projects and creative activities, Derbyshire Makes Grants help people create opportunities for others to take part, learn new skills, share stories and connect through making.
The programme includes two grant schemes: the Creative & Community Grant and the Derbyshire Makes History Heritage Grant (funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund). Together, they support projects that celebrate creativity, heritage and making culture in all its forms.
Since launching, the programme has awarded:
20 Creative & Community Grants totalling £32,000
9 Heritage Grants totalling £18,000
With funding available from £300 to £2,000 and no match funding required.
The final two funding rounds are now open for both grant schemes:
• Deadline 1: 1 September 2026
• Deadline 2: 1 November 2026
£300 – £2,000 (no match funding required)
Find out more information, criteria, eligibility and how to apply here.
£300 – £2,000 (no match funding required)
Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, this grant supports heritage organisations, museums, community groups, and businesses in Derbyshire.
Find out more information, criteria, eligibility and how to apply, by clicking here.
Connect your workforce with Derbyshire’s heritage landmarks to exchange professional skills, support local preservation, and inspire your team. Derbyshire Makes History is offering funding of up to £1,000 to support collaboration between local commercial businesses and world-class heritage organisations.
Click here to apply.
This project isn’t just about funding – it’s about a meaningful exchange of expertise. We are bringing together the sharpest commercial minds and the custodians of our historic landmarks to share knowledge, build resilience, and celebrate local history.
• What Businesses Bring: Strategic planning, digital marketing, corporate governance, project management, and commercial expertise to help local heritage assets thrive.
• What Heritage Brings: Inspiring historic spaces, traditional building skills, educational enrichment, deep community roots, and unique team-building backdrops.
The grant is flexible, allowing businesses and heritage partners to co-create a project that fits their goals. Here are four ways you can collaborate but the possibilities are endless:
• Skill-Sharing & In-House Training – Utilise inspiring historic spaces for your corporate training sessions, or have heritage experts deliver fascinating history and traditional skills talks.
• Mutual Volunteering & Mentoring – Share your professional business skills to help a heritage site with its operations, or participate in cross-organisational volunteering days that benefit both your team and the heritage site.
• Bespoke Corporate Events – Design a tailored networking, client, or team-building event held within the unique, unforgettable backdrop of a Derbyshire heritage site.
• Employee Wellbeing & Tours – Invest in your workforce. Use funding to secure private tour tickets for a business-wide employee day out, connecting your team with the fabric of local history.
Click the link at the top or bottom of this page to fill out our quick online partnership form outlining your project details and budget requirements (up to £1,000). Don’t worry if you haven’t identified a heritage partner we can help you with that.
Receive a response from the Derbyshire Makes team, secure your funding, and start making an impact!
Eligibility Note: This programme is strictly for businesses, social enterprises, and heritage organisations located within Derbyshire. (this excludes Derby City)
Don’t let your ideas sit on the shelf. Partner up, share your skills, and unlock up to £1,000 to fund your joint project today.
Simple Application form – Click Here to Apply Now
Every heritage organisation is different, and the opportunities available can be shaped around the skills, interests and needs of your business.
The examples on the Derbyshire Makes Website illustrate the types of partnerships that could be developed.
Interested in connecting with one of the featured heritage organisations? Email tricia@artsderbyshire.org.uk to start the conversation.
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