Aims/priorities: Funding is intended to allow organisations to connect archives with their communities and the wider public in alignment with key moments of national significance.
The theme of the current round is ‘Belonging’. Applicants will need to consider their collections and devise creative ways to use these records to engage with new and existing audiences, exploring ideas relating to ‘Belonging’.
Who can apply? Engagement Grants are open to archivists and heritage professionals working with archival collections in England and Wales.
Applications are accepted from public sector bodies, not-for-profit organisations including registered charities, and for-profit organisations including business archives.
Archives are encouraged to propose partnership projects and submit consortium applications.
Grant amount: Up to £3,000 are available.
The National Archives have shared that the current success rate, that is in June 2026, for Engagement funding is 17%.
Application process: Engagement Grants will run periodically in line with cultural moments of national significance.
Guidelines and the single stage application form can be found on the National Archives website.
Contact the National Archives for further information.
Deadline: Friday, 14 August 2026.
Contact information: Email: archivegrants@nationalarchives.gov.uk
Website: About these grants - Archives sector