Over time it has been given extra powers and responsibilities:

• The National Heritage Act 1997 allows the NHMF to support projects promoting access to the heritage, its enjoyment, study and understanding, and the development of heritage skills

• Under the National Lottery Act 1998 became responsible for distributing the heritage portion of National Lottery money

 As a result of these changes the NHMF now includes two separate funds:

• The National Heritage Memorial Fund (HMF), which is grant funded by us, supports projects which will preserve or enhance land, buildings, collections and objects of outstanding importance to the national heritage of the UK which are in danger of being sold abroad, developed, damaged or lost

• The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) gives financial help to projects preserving both the natural and cultural heritage. These include museums and galleries, archives and industrial history. The remit extends across the whole of the UK. The HLF has offices in Scotland, Wales and Ireland and in nine regions in England

The Trustees of the NHMF are independent, and decide whether to accept or reject applications for funding. The Trustees are appointed by the Prime Minister on the advice of the Secretary of State. Applications are assessed on the importance of the heritage itself and the public benefit of funding it.