Heritage and the Arts
Heritage appeals are considered within the following categories:- Material or Fabric Conservation and Refurbishment
- Library/Archive Conservation
- Wildlife/Environment Conservation
Areas of Support
Conservation: material or fabric
The Company will consider applications for the restoration or conservation of:
- Grade I and Grade II* (Grade II Star) listed buildings. Please note we do not at the present time support the restoration or conservation of any churches
- Works of art and artefacts. Exceptionally, support may be given for a work of art/artefact connected to a church.
Library and archive conservation
- Projects to provide a protective environment
- Restoration of certain manuscripts
- Publication of research where there is a link to the Mercers’ Company
- Conservation training may be considered
- Cataloguing and supporting academic publishing
UK wildlife and environment conservation
Protection and research of :
- Endangered species
- Flora and fauna and their habitat
- Important historic gardens and open spaces
- Marine conservation
At present we are not supporting either visitor centres or the acquisition of land.
Geographic Preferences
The priority is for projects in London although applications within our heritage
category are considered from all parts of the UK.
Applicants
Applicants must be:
- UK charities registered with the Charity Commission, or
- UK charities that are exempt from registration under the 1995 Charities Act.
Core Costs and Running Costs
Whilst we do not normally consider applications for general running costs, we
accept that organisations should include a reasonable amount of management costs
to cover their overheads when they apply for project funding.
Performing Arts
We have a modest budget to support the performing arts. We are reviewing our
priorities for this programme. For further information please contact piac@mercers.co.uk.
We include:
- Music
- Drama
- Dance
There is a preference for organisations based in London. Occasionally we support
national organisations that are centres of excellence.
Grants Sizes
Our grants normally range from £500 to £7,500. A few larger grants are made but
anything over £10,000 is exceptional.
Applicants must provide up-to-date accounts with the initial request.
2010 Heritage and Arts Committee Meeting Dates:
Wednesday 7 April
Wednesday 7 July
Wednesday 6 October

