WIREDGOV

We are pleased to announce the launch of our new funding programme for the archive sector titled Collaborate and Innovate.

The programme will empower archives to develop creative ideas and collaborative approaches through two funding schemes. The first scheme, the Archive Testbed Fund, will provide micro grants of up to £5,000 to archives who want to explore, pilot or evolve an innovative idea that may lead to positive change for the archive. Importantly, the funded archives will be able to experiment without fear of failure and their learning outcomes will be shared for the wider sector to use.

The second scheme is the Networks for Change Fund, which will award grants of up to £15,000 to groups of archives wanting to start a new network, strengthen an existing partnership or undertake a network development project. Strong networks contribute to an efficient and resilient archive sector and help archives improve many aspects of their service, including skills, access, engagement and value for money.

Dr Valerie Johnson, Director of Collections and Research at The National Archives, said: ‘I am delighted with the launch of the Collaborate and Innovate funding programme which will provide archives with the crucial freedom to explore innovative ideas and work together in new ways. This ability to be bold will lead to outcomes that will make a real difference to archives in the UK.’

Both the Archive Testbed Fund and Networks for Change Fund will work on a rolling basis so applications can be submitted at any time.

• To find out more, visit the Collaborate and Innovate webpages.