The Wolfson Foundation awards grants to support libraries and archives caring for nationally significant collections and which have a clear emphasis on public access and engagement.

The Foundation usually awards grants for collection storage facilities and research, education and/or interpretation spaces. Projects should meet one or more of the following themes:

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

The minimum grant available is £15,000, with typical awards falling between £15,000 and £100,000. Matched funding is required for projects where the total cost is over £50,000.

To be eligible for grant support, libraries or archives should:

o Be operated by a registered charity or a local authority.
o Be fully accredited under the Archive Service Accreditation Scheme.
o Be open and accessible to the public for most of the year, with a reasonable number of visitors. The Foundation recognises that COVID-19 continues to affect visitor numbers and understand that the environment for many public sites has changed, and
o 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, applicants will be required to make a strong case for the significance of the collection within a national context.

Funding is not available for:

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

The Foundation has a 2-stage application process with the following key dates:

1. Opened to Stage 1 applications on Sunday 14th May 2023.
2. Stage 1 application deadline: Saturday 1st July 2023 at 23:59.
3. Stage 2 application deadline: Friday 1st September 2023 at 23:59.
4. Funding decisions: December 2023.

Further information, guidance and details about how to apply is available on the Wolfson Foundation website.