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Friends of the National Libraries

Open (with deadline for applications) Archives and artefacts Arts, culture and heritage Antrim & Newtownabbey Ards & North Down Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Belfast City Causeway Coast and Glens Derry City and Strabane England Fermanagh and Omagh Great Britain Lisburn and Castlereagh Mid and East Antrim Mid Ulster Newry, Mourne and Down Northern Ireland Scotland Wales Medium (up to £60,000) Micro (up to £1,000) Small (up to £10,000)

Overview

FNL help regional, national and specialist libraries, archives and museums acquire books, manuscripts and archives that they could not otherwise afford.

Funding Available

Grants typically range from £200-£20,000. They usually contribute part of the cost of an acquisition, though they may be willing to meet the full cost if you do not have other funds available. Receiving a grant from the FNL often helps unlock other sources of funding and, if you require additional funding, they may be able to suggest possible sources to which you can apply.

Which institutions are eligible to apply?

  • The National Libraries and the libraries of national museums;
  • Record offices and archives services;
  • University and specialist libraries;
  • Any museum, gallery or collecting institution to which the public has reasonable access and which, in the opinion of the Trustees, constitutes a proper repository for the proposed acquisition.

What can I apply for?

You can apply for a grant towards the purchase of rare printed books; manuscripts; archives of historical, literary, artistic, architectural, musical or other interest; and also fine bindings. They will not contribute to the purchase of an item you have already bought.

They only give grants towards the cost of acquisition.

Key dates

Application Deadline 01/06/2025
Application Deadline 01/11/2025
Application Deadline 01/03/2026