The National Archives’ Community Hub Project Grants programme offers grants of up to £30,000 to fund substantial, collaborative projects across the UK between at least one gallery, library, archive or museum (GLAM) or heritage organisation and one community group. Grants are intended to create meaningful change and long-term value for both communities and institutions. At the heart of the Community Hub Project Grants programme is a commitment to co-design and community leadership.
Projects should be inclusive, sustainable, and impactful, with a strong emphasis on shared ownership and mutual benefit for all participants. Applications should therefore be co-designed and community-led, with a focus on inclusion, sustainability and impact.
The funding is intended to support practical, creative, and developmental work that strengthens relationships between UK galleries, libraries, archive and museum (GLAM) organisations and the communities they serve.
The scheme is specifically designed to support in-depth collaborative research, skills development, and the creation of lasting resources that reflect diverse voices and experiences.
Grants can be used for (please note that this is not an exclusive list):
- Community engagement and co-design activities
- Digital tools, platforms, or content creation
- Evaluation and dissemination of project outcome
- General organisational overheads or core running costs
- Materials, equipment, or venue hire
- Staff time or freelance fees for project delivery
- Training and skills development for participants
- Translation or accessibility services, and
- Travel and subsistence for project participants
Applications for a Community Hub Project Grant needs to:
- Be involved with, or linked in some way to, the GLAM and/or heritage sectors. Higher education institutions and/or independent research organisations (IROs) cannot be the lead on applications, but can be listed as partners.
- Be based in the UK (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales).
- Have a UK bank account, and
- Not have received a Community Hub Project Grant before. Previously unsuccessful applicants can apply again with the agreement of the Community Hub team.
Further information, guidance and details about how to apply can be found on the National Archives website.
The deadline for applications is Monday 16 November 2026.
Please note that the Community Hub Team prefers potential applicants to be contacted in the first instance – prior to applying – to ensure that intended projects align with the aims of the Community Hub Project Grants programme.