APPLYING FOR A GRANT

We help you to add to your collection

We offer significant financial help to national libraries, university libraries, county record offices, art galleries and other National Libraries to help them acquire printed books, manuscripts, records and archives of historical, literary, artistic, architectural, musical, photographic or suchlike interest, and to assist National Libraries in any other way which the trustees consider appropriate. National Libraries include the British Library, the National Libraries of Scotland and Wales and any university, county, local authority and other library, record office, museum or gallery to which the public has access, and which in the opinion of the trustees, constitutes a proper repository for a proposed acquisition.

Any UK National Library, from the smallest to the largest, may apply to the Friends for a grant. You can apply for grants as often as you like.
The Helmingham Breviary, c.1420. By courtesy of Norwich Castle Museum.

Our two main criteria when awarding grants are the historical, literary and other qualities of the proposed acquisition and its significance to your collection. We also take into account price, condition and provenance. If you think that the Friends can help you to meet the cost of your acquisition, please get in touch - we will do our best to help.
We can help even when you have no other funding
We usually contribute part of the cost of an acquisition, with the remainder coming from your own or other sources. We can also respond to applications where no other money is available, so long as you have thoroughly explored all other possible sources of support. Our funding ranges from a few hundred pounds to tens of thousands of pounds, and we may be willing to meet the total cost of your acquisition.

You may be applying for a grant as the first stage in a wider fundraising campaign. Please inform us of your progress and of any changes in circumstances or price. Do remember that receiving a grant from the Friends often helps unlock other sources of funding.
Applying for a grant is easy
To apply for a grant, you will need to write a letter of application and send it to the Honorary Secretary (see the “Contact us” page in this website).
You should describe the proposed acquisition, with full information about its condition and provenance, and explain its significance for your collection. Please state what other funding you are seeking and the size of the grant you would like from the Friends. If your application is successful and once you have completed your fundraising, you can claim your grant. We will also need a copy of the vendor’s invoice.
We can respond quickly when a work comes to auction
If a potential purchase comes up at auction at short notice, we can fast-track your application in a few days.
Terms and conditions
Before receiving your grant cheque, we will ask you to read and sign our terms and conditions, giving an undertaking that you will not sell the item acquired, that you will acknowledge the help given by the Friends on all matters concerning the item, that you will keep your acquisition in secure and environmentally sound conditions, and will make it available for the public to enjoy on request if it is not on view at all times.
You can help the Friends to help you
When you receive a grant, you will be asked to take simple steps to acknowledge our support by crediting us on labels and reproductions of the acquisition, displaying our membership literature and collaborating over publicity. We rely on you to support and promote us in any way you can. Greater awareness of the Friends will enable us to recruit more members. If you have any questions, please contact the Honorary Secretary.