National Archives Trust

The Trust funds cause areas centred on arts, education, and youth, with a focus on projects that advance public education about history, citizenship, and democracy through original archival sources. Examples include inclusive exhibitions, touring displays, educational programmes, and outreach initiatives that demystify history for non-specialist audiences. The Trust supports work that transforms public engagement with the nation's archival collections, such as community events and partnerships with organisations like the Clore Learning Centre. Geographically, its funding has a national scope across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The Trust prioritises scalable projects with national or regional impact, and favours innovative, partnership-driven initiatives that draw on archives to enrich civic life.

Eligible organisations include UK-registered charities, academic institutions, and community groups. The Trust prioritises projects that benefit young people, schools, educators, local communities, minority groups, and lifelong learners. It favours medium-to-large organisations or consortia capable of delivering transformative, partnership-driven work. Very small grassroots groups are usually excluded. The Trust places an emphasis on inclusivity and barrier removal, seeking to reach audiences who may not typically engage with archives. Organisations should have a clear focus on using original sources for public education and community development.

The Trust does not fund unrestricted or core costs, emergency relief, small-scale efforts, or commercial activities. Projects that focus solely on preservation or digitisation are also excluded. Very small grassroots organisations are typically not supported. The Trust avoids funding activities that do not align with its mission of transforming public engagement with archives and promoting inclusive access to history.

The Trust works by invitation only; unsolicited applications are not accepted. It selects partners ad hoc rather than through fixed rounds, and prefers multi-year, partnership-driven projects that have a transformative impact. The Trust funds projects and programmes, but not core costs or unrestricted support. Its funding style is highly collaborative, working closely with partners to amplify the role of archives in civic life and public education.