Applications open for Endangered Archives Grant Programme

Deadline: 06-Nov-26

The Endangered Archives Programme offers grants to support the identification, preservation, and digitisation of archival materials that are at risk of loss or destruction. The programme supports projects that protect important documentary heritage and make archival collections more accessible for research and public benefit. Funding can support the preservation of materials such as manuscripts, rare printed books, photographs, audio recordings, and other documentary resources.

About the Endangered Archives Programme

The Endangered Archives Programme is designed to help preserve archival collections that are vulnerable because they are not adequately protected by existing resources.

Projects may focus on:

- Identifying endangered archival collections. - Preserving vulnerable documentary materials. - Digitising archival collections. - Creating digital surrogates for long-term access. - Improving access to important archival materials. - Supporting conservation activities where required. The programme aims to ensure that valuable historical and cultural records are protected and remain available for future research and public use. How Much Funding Is Available? The programme provides funding through two main types of projects:

- Pilot projects: Up to £15,000.

- Major projects: Up to £60,000.

Grant funding is intended to cover costs directly associated with preserving and digitising endangered archival materials.

Eligible project expenses may include:

- Equipment. - Travel. - Salaries. - Digitisation costs. - Conservation activities. - Other expenses directly related to the proposed preservation work. Applicants should ensure that their proposed costs are directly connected to the project and its preservation objectives. What Types of Archival Materials Are Supported? The programme can support projects involving a wide range of archival and documentary materials.

Examples include:

- Manuscripts. - Rare printed books. - Photographs. - Audio recordings. - Other important documentary materials. The proposed materials must be at genuine risk of loss or destruction and require intervention to ensure their long-term preservation and accessibility. What Projects Are Supported? Projects should focus on preserving archival material that is endangered and not adequately protected by existing resources.

Supported activities may include:

- Surveying and identifying endangered collections. - Conservation of vulnerable archival materials. - Digitisation of archival collections. - Creation of digital copies or surrogates. - Developing systems for making digitised materials accessible. - Other preservation activities directly connected to the endangered collection. Projects should demonstrate how the proposed intervention will reduce the risk of permanent loss. Global Eligibility Applicants may propose projects from anywhere in the world, provided the archival material meets the programme’s requirements.

The material should:

- Be at risk of loss or destruction. - Not be adequately protected by existing resources. - Have sufficient historical, cultural, research, or public value to justify intervention. - Be suitable for the proposed preservation or digitisation approach. The programme encourages applications from local institutions and researchers as well as international collaborations. Who Can Apply? Eligible applicants include individuals and institutions with the capacity to undertake archival preservation and digitisation work.

The programme welcomes applications from:

- Individual researchers. - Local institutions. - Archival organizations. - Other institutions with appropriate preservation capacity. - International research and institutional collaborations. Applicants should demonstrate that they have the skills, capacity, or appropriate partnerships needed to successfully complete the proposed project. Requirements for a Strong Project Proposal Applicants should clearly explain why the archival material is endangered and why intervention is necessary.

A strong proposal should demonstrate:

- A clear need for preservation. - The importance of the archival collection. - The risks facing the material. - A feasible preservation and digitisation plan. - The capacity to carry out the proposed work. - Appropriate use of grant funding. - A clear approach to making digitised material accessible. - Potential benefits for research and the wider public. The proposal should provide a practical explanation of how the project will protect the collection and improve long-term access. Digitisation and Long-Term Access Digitisation is an important component of the programme because creating digital surrogates can help protect vulnerable archival materials while allowing researchers and other users to access their contents. Projects should consider how digitised materials will be made available for research and public benefit. The aim is not only to preserve endangered collections but also to improve their accessibility and ensure that their information can continue to be used. Local and International Collaboration The programme encourages applications from local researchers and institutions, recognizing the importance of local knowledge and involvement in preserving endangered archives. International collaborations are also encouraged where they can strengthen the project’s preservation, digitisation, research, or technical capacity. Collaborative projects should clearly explain the roles and contributions of the participating partners. Pilot Projects and Major Projects Applicants can seek support through two main project categories. Pilot Projects Pilot projects can request up to £15,000. These grants are intended for smaller-scale initiatives that can address specific preservation or digitisation needs involving endangered archival material. Major Projects Major projects can request up to £60,000. These grants are intended to support larger or more comprehensive preservation and digitisation ini