The 2009 round of the National Cataloguing Grants Programme for Archives is now open for applications.

The programme brings together a group of charitable funders to provide a pot of funding over five years to tackle cataloguing backlogs, a direct response to the national problem of uncatalogued and poorly catalogued archives. Previous award-holders include university, local authority, media and specialist archives. They have catalogued a rich variety of material from Quarter Sessions to Masonic records, archbishop’s and pacifists’ papers and major industrial, literary and estate archives.

The National Archives undertakes administration and assessment of the programme, while decisions on the allocation of grants are made by an independent Cataloguing Grants Panel. We are continuing to seek additional support for the scheme despite the difficult financial climate, as demand is high and rounds to date have been hugely competitive. To avoid disappointment, we would urge potential applicants to consider carefully whether their proposed project fits the key criteria: to support the cataloguing of outstanding archives which are in greatest need of external funding to achieve an effective catalogue.

The programme operates a two-stage application process. This involves a preliminary stage in which applicants briefly explain the importance of the collection(s) proposed for cataloguing, and how they have prioritised this above other uncatalogued material. Those who progress to the second phase will then be invited to submit a more detailed application, including a full project plan and precise costs. The deadline for first stage applications is 19 June 2009. For detailed guidelines and a phase one application form, see http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/archives/cataloguing_grants_scheme.htm. If you have any enquiries about the scheme, please contact [log in to unmask] or 020 8392 5330 x2612.

The National Cataloguing Grants Programme for Archives will run on an annual basis until 2012. This has been made possible by the generous support of the Pilgrim Trust, the Foyle Foundation, the Wolfson Foundation, the Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation, the Mercers’ Company Charitable Foundation, and the Goldsmiths’ Company. We have so far secured over £1.3million to tackle archive cataloguing backlogs and continue to seek additional funding partners to sustain and develop this national programme.

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Dr Melinda Haunton
Secretary to the Cataloguing Grants Panel
Archives Sector Development
The National Archives