Context and Scope

Archives Revealed is the only grant programme in the United Kingdom (UK) dedicated to the unlocking of archival collections. The programme is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Pilgrim Trust, the Wolfson Foundation and The National Archives.

The Archives Revealed programme recognises both the significant challenges facing the heritage sector, and the successes which archives have had through collaborative working. We have introduced Consortium Grants to empower archives to work together and deliver impactful projects.

The Consortium Grants programme provides up to £150,000 to support the archive sector to work in partnership, on projects of up to two years in duration. We hope to see projects that will deliver lasting and meaningful change, to collections and the archive sector, and which will create opportunities for people to engage with significant histories and collections.

We welcome proposals that reflect the diverse nature of the archive sector, with its varying needs and ambitions.  A consortium may be linked by theme or geography, may focus on developing archival practice, or may explore new technologies and innovative approaches. Proposals will clearly identify challenges and present a practical solution to enhance access to important collections.

The goal of Archives Revealed is “to ensure that significant archive collections, representing the lives and perspective of all people across the UK, are made accessible to the public for research and enjoyment.” Delivering on this goal, and making archive collections accessible, should be the main focus of your project.

We are interested in hearing how applicants might use partnership working, and archival collections to encourage the UK public’s enjoyment and participation in archives, heritage and our shared history. Projects will include approaches cataloguing, public engagement, and sector development through partnership working.

Applicants are required to allocate at least 20% of their total grant value to public engagement activities. This would be £30,000, if applying for the maximum grant of £150,000.

Further resources on access, participation and engagement can be found on The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s website – you may wish to consult guidance on interpretation, inclusion and the Heritage Fund’s investment principle on inclusion, access and participation.

Programme Overview

  • Archives Revealed Consortium Grants offer funding of up to £150,000
  • At least 20% of each grant is required to be spent on engagement activities with the public.
  • The grant will fund projects lasting up to two years.
  • There are two rounds of funding per year (Spring and Autumn)
  • Funding is available for up to three Consortium Grants in each round
  • There is a single-stage application process

The aims of the Consortium Grant programme are to:

  • Increase access to previously unavailable archive material.
  • Empower the archive sector to address larger-scale and shared challenges through increased funding.
  • Develop existing relationships and create new opportunities for collaboration in the archive sector, building a community of good practice and fostering knowledge sharing.
  • Increase engagement with archive collections by a wider audience.
  • Enable deeper use of archive material to further understanding of collections.
  • Increase the confidence and skills of archivists to enable them to sustainably build resilience and capacities.

Please ensure that you read the instructions below before applying for funding. Should you have any questions, then you can contact the Archives Revealed team via email: archivegrants@nationalarchives.gov.uk.