The National Archives

Could The National Archives fund your project? Check fit free. Draft if yes — or shortlist better matches.

Applications: Accepted
How to apply: Online form

Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.

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nationalarchives.gov.uk

About The National Archives

The National Archives is the UK's official archive and publisher for the government of England and Wales, established in 2003 from historic mergers including the Public Record Office. As a non-ministerial department, it safeguards over 1,000 years of national records. Guided by the 'Archives Unlocked' vision, its values of stewardship, integrity, innovation, access, and inclusivity drive sector leadership in digital transformation, resilience, and community engagement. The Trust funds targeted archive sector projects that enhance preservation, accessibility, and impact. This distinctive focus on evidence-based, sector-wide advancement of archival heritage sets it apart from broad funders, prioritising public-value projects that unlock heritage for all.

What The National Archives funds

They fund projects that strengthen preservation, accessibility, and impact within the archive sector. Priorities include cataloguing hidden collections, digitisation, community engagement, innovation, environmental sustainability, and capacity building. Programmes support activities such as engaging diverse audiences, piloting digital and inclusion initiatives, and developing early ideas or resilience. The Trust operates UK-wide, with a requirement for Welsh-language inclusion for projects in Wales. All funded work must serve a clear public value and advance the archival heritage mission.

Who can apply

Eligible applicants include archives, record offices, heritage professionals, public bodies, registered charities, charitable incorporated organisations, community interest companies, social enterprises, community groups, companies, and academics holding UK collections of public value. Organisations based in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland may apply, with no income restrictions. The Trust prioritises applicants whose work advances archival missions. Projects in Wales must include Welsh-language provision. Unsolicited applications are welcomed.

What The National Archives doesn't fund

They do not fund routine operational costs, general charitable activities outside the archive sector, or projects that lack a clear public value to archival heritage. Non-archival work, such as unrelated community projects or general organisational overheads, falls outside their remit. Their unique specialist focus means they support only projects that directly enhance preservation, accessibility, or impact of archival collections.

How they like to fund

They fund project-based work that enhances preservation, accessibility, and impact within the archive sector. Unsolicited applications are accepted. Funding is typically directed toward specific initiatives such as cataloguing, digitisation, community engagement, or innovation, rather than ongoing operational costs. They do not specify multi-year or one-off commitments, but their programmes are designed to support targeted, time-limited projects.

How much does The National Archives give?

Published grant sizes vary. A free fit check matches The National Archives’s current criteria to your charity — so you know if it’s worth applying.

Deadlines & timelines

When to apply, and how long their decisions take.

Your specific fit

Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.

Good to know

FaithNo restriction

Focus areas

Arts & culture

How to apply to The National Archives

The National Archives takes applications via online form.

Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.

How it works

1
Describe your project. Once — used for this funder and others.
2
See if this could be a fit. Honest check on cause, place, size, and rules.
3
Draft if yes. From your real data — or move on if not.

See if The National Archives could be a fit. Draft if yes.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does The National Archives provide?

Grant amounts vary. Contact The National Archives directly for current funding levels.

Where does The National Archives fund charities?

The National Archives funds charities operating in the UK.

Does The National Archives accept unsolicited applications?

The National Archives accepts unsolicited applications from eligible organisations. Current programme status is on this page — do not assume a round is open.

How do I apply for funding from The National Archives?

The National Archives takes applications via online form. Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.