This funding is for small grants for community groups, archives, and heritage organisations to test early-stage ideas.
The National Archives has reopened this programme for grants of £500 to £5,000.
The scheme supports risky or experimental projects, such as piloting new engagement methods, building partnerships, or conducting research and development, without the pressure of delivering immediate large-scale outputs.
Eligible applicants include grassroots organisations and the wider GLAM sector (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums).
There is a wide range of eligible costs, including but not limited to:
- Staff time or freelance fees for project delivery
- Materials and supplies for workshops, exhibitions, or events
- Venue hires or equipment rental
- General organisational overheads or core running costs
- Travel and subsistence for project participants
- Community consultation or co-design activities
- Digital tools or platforms to support engagement
- Evaluation and documentation of pilot activities.
Projects can last up to one year, with all funds required to be spent by December 2027.
If you are thinking about applying, pre-application consultations are available.
The deadline to apply for the current application round is Friday 17 April 2026.
Find out more at the National Archives Seed Corn Grants webpage here.
