Small grants are available from The National Archives to support new ideas that encourage people to get involved with their local heritage.
Seed Corn Grants offer funding of between £500 and £5,000 to support early-stage, exploratory projects that aim to spark new ideas and innovative approaches to community engagement with heritage. These grants are particularly designed to help organisations test concepts, build partnerships or pilot activities, with a strong emphasis on experimentation and learning.
The grants are available to community groups, Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums (GLAM) and other heritage organisations working with communities in the UK. Applications are particularly encouraged from smaller and grassroots groups.
The funding can be used towards a range of costs including: staff time; materials and supplies for workshops, exhibitions or events; venue hire; running costs or community consultation activities.
By applying for a Seed Corn grant, you will also gain access to a dedicated skills development and training programme, offering a wide range of learning opportunities tailored to the heritage sector. This will be made available to all applicants, whether successful or not.
Focus of fund/fund aims:
Small grants to encourage innovative ways of involving people with their local heritage
Application deadline:
Round 1: 28 November 2025. Round 2: 17 April 2026
Fund description:
https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/community-hub/seed-corn-grant/