We help regional, national and specialist libraries, archives and museums acquire books, manuscripts and archives that they could not otherwise afford.
Applying for a grant is easy
Please complete the application form below. It is important to provide full details of the item to be acquired (including its name and date) and its relevance to your collections.
NOTE: The form has tight word limits which it's not possible to change, so if these are too restrictive please submit your application to the email address below as a Word document, ensuring you answer all the questions that are in the form. Also, If you have documents or images you would like to submit along with your application please email them to admin*at*fnlmail.org.uk
Apply now
When are grants made?
We prefer to consider applications at Trustees' meetings, which are in March, June and November. Email your application by the first of each month.
BUT if you have an auction or similar deadline approaching and your application can't wait, you can apply at any time and we will consider your application quickly.
How much can I apply for?
Grants typically range from £200-£20,000. We usually contribute part of the cost of an acquisition, though we 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, we may be able to suggest possible sources to which you can apply.
If you think that FNL can help please get in touch - we'll do our best to assist.
Find out more about the process
For details of the application process, terms and conditions of grant as well as what to include in your letter of application see our FAQs.
Image above: Stereoscopic daguerreotype of a City of London riverfront scene, 1851. FNL grant 2018. Courtesy of London Metropolitan Archives.