The Seed Corn Grants scheme is part of the new ‘Spaces, Places and Belonging’ Community Hub to be launched in early 2026. This is a new national programme led by The National Archives in partnership with Leeds Museums & Galleries, the National Library of Wales, and the Community Archives & Heritage Group. Funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) – UKRI, the Hub will support inclusive, community-led research across the UK’s galleries, libraries, archives, and museums (GLAM) and heritage sectors.
In addition to the Seed Corn Grants, there will be Skills Bursaries and National Archives – Project Grants , reported on separately.
Alongside £550,000 in funding, there will be a programme of training, digital skills development, and network-building. The Hub will also create a permanent digital platform to share resources, learning, and best practice, ensuring that community engagement becomes a lasting part of the national collection. Designed to empower underrepresented communities and build confidence across the sector, the Hub will be a collaborative, flexible, and sustainable space for innovation and inclusion.
Eligible applicants include community groups and GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums) and other heritage organisations working with communities across the UK.
There is particular interest in applications from smaller and grassroots groups.
To be eligible, applicants need to:
- Be involved with, or linked to, the Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums (GLAM) and/or wider Heritage sector.
- Be based in the UK (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales).
- Have a UK bank account.
Applicants should not have received a Community Hub Seed Corn grant before. Previously unsuccessful applicants can apply again with the agreement of the Community Hub team.


