Friends of the Nations' Libraries

Friends of the Nations' Libraries (FNL), established in 1931 as the UK's only charity dedicated exclusively to safeguarding written and printed heritage, supports national, regional, and specialist libraries, archives, and museums in acquiring rare books, manuscripts, archives, and printed materials of profound historical, literary, artistic, musical, or cultural value. Modeled as the literary counterpart to the Art Fund, FNL's mission emphasizes stewardship, national benefit, and equitable public access, preserving Western European civilization's foundations amid rising costs and limited resources. Governed by an Executive Committee of leading library and archive directors, it channels investment income and campaigns—like the £1m Prince of Wales Fund—issuing dozens of grants annually, such as 46 awards totaling over £261,000 in 2024, for items like the Honresfield Library, Charlie Cairoli Collection, and repatriated Canterbury Bible.

FNL funds solely discrete acquisition grants for UK public collecting institutions, prioritizing materials at risk of export or sale, including family estates, scientific manuscripts, photographic archives, and iconic artifacts across England, Scotland, and Wales. Eligible applicants are UK-based libraries, archives, records offices, museums, and universities with no income, size, or religious restrictions; unsolicited applications are welcomed from small to national entities.

Grants typically range from £200 to £20,000, covering part or full costs. Submit via online form or emailed Word document to admin@fnlmail.org.uk, including item details and images; applications are rolling but considered quarterly at March, June, and November trustee meetings (by the 1st of the prior month), with urgent auction cases fast-tracked. FNL excludes core costs, conservation, cataloguing, or revenue funding, distinguishing itself as a pre-eminent, expert-led conduit for heritage preservation and Schedule 3 acceptance-in-lieu arrangements.