Rluk (Research Libraries UK)
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rluk.ac.ukAbout Rluk (Research Libraries UK)
Research Libraries UK (RLUK) is a consortium of leading research libraries across the UK and Ireland, originating from a consortium of university research libraries and later rebranded to lead the sector. Its mission centres on shaping the research library agenda through collective advocacy, strategic collaboration, and innovative programmes that advance open scholarship, academic excellence, equitable access to knowledge, and preservation. Core values emphasise inclusivity, digital transformation, equity, diversity and inclusion, sustainability, and positioning libraries as vital partners in the knowledge economy, as outlined in its strategic plan. RLUK operates as a backbone infrastructure body for sector leadership and advocacy, not a traditional grant-maker, uniquely convening expertise for national and international policy influence on open knowledge and inclusive practice.
What Rluk (Research Libraries UK) funds
RLUK invests in member-led initiatives addressing scholarly communication, equity, diversity and inclusion in collections and services, technological innovation, workforce development, decolonisation, and resilience. Key programmes include inclusive collections and libraries, a digital shift forum, collaborative research on pandemic impacts, and partnerships for open access, copyright reform, and professional training. Funding supports internal collaborative projects among its member institutions—major university and national research libraries—enhancing research support, heritage preservation, and sector-wide capacity building across the UK and Ireland.
Who can apply
Eligibility is restricted to RLUK's member academic institutions in the UK and Ireland. The consortium does not accept unsolicited applications from external entities, small organisations, or non-members. Beneficiaries are primarily its member institutions, which are major university and national research libraries. There are no open grants or formal application processes—funding supports internal collaborative projects without specified income rules or religious restrictions.
What Rluk (Research Libraries UK) doesn't fund
RLUK does not fund external charities, community groups, or non-member organisations. It does not accept unsolicited applications from entities outside its consortium of member libraries. There are no open grants or formal processes for external applicants.
How they like to fund
RLUK funds internal collaborative projects among its member institutions, supporting member-led initiatives. It does not accept unsolicited applications and works exclusively with existing partners within the consortium. Funding style is project-based, focusing on strategic collaboration and sector-wide capacity building rather than traditional grant-making.
How much does Rluk (Research Libraries UK) give?
Published grant sizes vary. A free fit check matches Rluk (Research Libraries UK)’s current criteria to your charity — so you know if it’s worth applying.
When to apply, and how long their decisions take.
Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.
Good to know
How to apply to Rluk (Research Libraries UK)
Rluk (Research Libraries UK) does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation.
- A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
- If you cannot apply directly, shortlist open funders with a similar focus instead of writing into a closed door.
What you can do here
- 1Check fit. See if your project aligns with Rluk (Research Libraries UK).
- 2Find open funders. Shortlist similar funders you can approach.
- 3Save the notes. Keep the fit check if you are later invited to apply.
See if Rluk (Research Libraries UK) could be a fit — then find open funders like them.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Rluk (Research Libraries UK) provide?
Grant amounts vary. Contact Rluk (Research Libraries UK) directly for current funding levels.
Where does Rluk (Research Libraries UK) fund charities?
Rluk (Research Libraries UK) funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Rluk (Research Libraries UK) accept unsolicited applications?
Rluk (Research Libraries UK) does not accept unsolicited applications.
How do I apply for funding from Rluk (Research Libraries UK)?
Rluk (Research Libraries UK) does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation. A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
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