Deadline: 21-Jan-2026
The National Archives Resilience Grants Programme provides funding of up to £20,000 to archive services, organisations with archives, and archive networks to develop sustainable, practical solutions that build organisational resilience. Projects may address financial stability, workforce capacity, digital preservation, income generation, and climate-responsive practices. The programme supports initiatives that strengthen archives, enhance community impact, and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Overview
The Resilience Grants Programme empowers the archive sector to develop sustainable solutions that enable organisational change and resilience. By funding practical, forward-looking projects, the programme helps archives respond to evolving challenges while continuing to serve their communities and contribute to the wider economy.
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants include:
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Archive services and organisations with archives
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Archive networks and consortia
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Not-for-profit organisations with a focus on archives
Applicants are encouraged to tailor proposals to their specific organisational needs, using recognised tools and frameworks to assess resilience and identify areas for development.
Eligible Projects
Funded projects may focus on areas including:
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Organisational and financial stability: Developing sustainable strategies and reducing costs
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Workforce capacity and skills: Training staff, strengthening teams, and succession planning
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Income generation: Developing new revenue streams or funding approaches
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Collection care and development: Improving physical and digital preservation practices
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Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives: Ensuring archives serve all community members
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Climate-responsive practices: Implementing energy efficiency or other sustainable practices
Projects should aim to create lasting impact, enabling archives to continue adapting and contributing meaningfully to their communities.
Funding Details
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Grants of up to £20,000 per project
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Funding supports practical initiatives, workforce development, and strategic transformation
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Payment structures are designed to ensure effective project delivery and accountability
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Funding is available for projects that demonstrate clear, achievable objectives with measurable outcomes
How to Apply
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Assess Organisational Needs: Use recognised frameworks to evaluate resilience and identify areas for development.
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Develop a Project Proposal: Outline objectives, outcomes, budget, and impact on organisational resilience.
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Submit Application: Follow the National Archives application guidelines and deadlines.
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Grant Agreement: Successful applicants will receive funding through a structured grant agreement.
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Project Delivery and Reporting: Complete the project and provide evidence of outcomes to ensure lasting impact.
Why It Matters
The Resilience Grants Programme helps archive organisations:
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Adapt to evolving operational, financial, and technological challenges
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Strengthen workforce skills and organisational structures
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Preserve collections more effectively, both physical and digital
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Respond to social, environmental, and community priorities
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Ensure archives remain resilient, sustainable, and impactful over the long term
Common Mistakes and Tips
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Mistake: Submitting generic proposals. Tip: Tailor your project to your organisation’s specific needs and ambitions.
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Mistake: Overlooking measurable outcomes. Tip: Define clear objectives and success indicators.
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Mistake: Ignoring sustainability. Tip: Include strategies that create long-term organisational resilience.
FAQ
Q1: Who can apply for the Resilience Grants Programme?
A: Archive services, organisations with archives, and archive networks, including not-for-profit entities focused on archives.
Q2: What is the maximum funding available?
A: Up to £20,000 per project.
Q3: What types of projects are eligible?
A: Projects addressing organisational and financial stability, workforce development, income generation, collection care, DEI initiatives, or climate-responsive practices.
Q4: How should applicants plan their proposals?
A: Use recognised resilience assessment tools and frameworks to identify organisational needs and opportunities for improvement.
Q5: Is there support for project delivery?
A: Yes, funding is provided through a grant agreement with structured payments to support effective implementation.
Q6: Can projects include digital preservation initiatives?
A: Yes, improving digital collections and preservation practices is fully eligible.
Q7: What is the expected impact of funded projects?
A: Projects should build long-term organisational resilience, strengthen archive services, and enhance community and economic contributions.
Conclusion
The National Archives Resilience Grants Programme provides critical support for archive organisations to strengthen their capacity, sustainability, and impact. By funding practical, tailored projects, the programme ensures archives can respond to evolving challenges, improve operational resilience, and continue to serve communities effectively for years to come.
For more information, visit The National Archives.