The National Archives have launched their new national Seed Corn Grants scheme which is part of their new 'Spaces, Places and Belonging' Community Hub, launching in early 2026.
Community groups, Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums (GLAM) and other heritage organisations working with communities in the UK can apply now for grants of between £500 and £5,000
The funding is intended to support early-stage, exploratory projects that aim to spark new ideas and innovative approaches to community engagement with heritage. The grants are particularly designed to help organisations test concepts, build partnerships, or pilot activities, with a strong emphasis on experimentation and learning.
Applications are particularly encouraged from smaller and grassroots groups.
The grants can support a wide range of 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
A Community Hub Launch webinar will be held on 17 September (14:00 to 15:30) which will provide details about the grant scheme and to answer questions. Booking is required. Free tickets are on eventbrite
There will be two application rounds, one in 2025 and another in February 2026.
Round one is open for applications with a deadline of 28 November 2025.
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