Aims/priorities: The funding is for an independent consultant to produce an expert collections report (or scoping report) on a full or partial archival collection, for which the contents are unknown in detail, but which is significant and of interest to the public.
The aims of the Scoping Grant programme are to enable grantees to:
- Develop a better understanding of the content of their collection.
- Strategically prioritise the development of their collection.
- Advocate for the development of their service.
- Prepare an effective case for support when applying for funding.
- Plan for better access, audience development and engagement.
Who can apply? Applications will be accepted from organisations with an archival collection:
- Public sector bodies in the UK.
- Registered charities in the UK.
- Not-for-profit organisations in the UK include those that are regulated by the Charity Commission, including Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs), Charitable Trusts, and Companies Limited by Guarantee (as long as they have charitable status and are regulated by the Charity Commission).
To be eligible, applicants must make their collections accessible to people outside of their organisation for at least ten years, following the conclusion of the grant-funded project.
Grant amount: The maximum grant available is £3,000.
The grant funding is solely for the purpose of producing a report. Each award value is £3,000, compensating both time (up to £2,400 for six days’ work at £400 per day) and reasonable expenses (up to £600) incurred by the consultant in delivering the report.
It is anticipated that 30 grants will be awarded in a year.
Application process: There are 3 funding rounds for 2026
- Round 5 opens 19 January 2026 and closes 19 February 2026 for consideration in March 2026.
- Round 6 opens 18 May 2026 and closes 18 June 2026 for consideration in July 2026
- Round 7 opens 7 September 2026 and closes 15 October 2026 for consideration in November 2026.
Deadline: The last 2026 round will close on Thursday 15 October 2026
Contact information: archivegrants@nationalarchives.gov.uk
Website: Scoping Grant - Portals