Funding for libraries & archives

The Wolfson Foundation is an independent, grant-making charity, based in central London but funding across the UK. We have a wide range of funding programmes and activities. Our fundamental aim is to improve the civic health of society, mainly through education and research.

Our main grants programme provides support for places. These grants are for capital initiatives, i.e. buildings (new build or refurbishment) and equipment. We fund a broad range of organisations working across the fields of education, science & medicine, health & disability, heritage, humanities & the arts.

Funding for libraries & archives: We support libraries and archives caring for nationally significant collections and which have a clear emphasis on public access and engagement. Grants are generally awarded towards collection storage facilities and research, education or interpretation spaces.

Need to know Who can apply: Registered or exempt charity (or equivalent) or local authority. Location of applicant and project: UK only. Funding covers: New build, refurbishment and equipment to improve access to nationally significant collections. Minimum grant amount: £15,000. Usual grant range: £15,000 – £100,000. Match funding required: Yes, if project cost is >£50,000. Decision dates: June and December annually. Projects must not be completed before a funding decision is made. Wolfson funding programme: Heritage, Humanities & the Arts.

The library or archive should meet all of the following criteria:

• be operated by a registered charity or a local authority
• be fully accredited under the Archive Service Accreditation Scheme
• be open and accessible to the public for the majority of a usual year
• hold a permanent collection of national significance For organisations based in England this is generally defined as holding a Designated Outstanding Collection (Arts Council England). Where a collection is not recognised under this scheme, or a national designation scheme is not in place, a strong case must be made for the significance of the collection within a national context.

The project should aim to produce one or more of the following outcomes:

• Enhanced care of collections of national significance
• Better public engagement with and understanding of collections
• Increased numbers of visitors to libraries and archives
• Improved future sustainability of the organisation
• Conservation of architectural heritage

Examples of ineligible projects and costs include: -Purchase of land or existing buildings (including a building’s freehold) -Grants direct to individuals -Grants through conduit organisations -Overheads, maintenance costs and VAT -Non-specific appeals (including circulars) and endowment funds -Costs of meetings, exhibitions, concerts, expeditions, conferences, lectures, etc. -Salary costs -Running costs, including vehicle fuel and maintenance -Film, websites or promotional materials -Repayment of loans -Projects that have already been completed or will be by the time of award