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European Archives and Libraries with Jewish Collections Grant Programme
Much of the history of the Jews of Europe can be found in the millions of documents that are situated in hundreds of archive collections in Europe and throughout the world. Many of these collections deal exclusively with Jewish history and heritage, while others hold materials pertinent to the history and cultures of a particular place, in which Jews played an active part. In Europe most projects involving the documentation, protection and preservation of Jewish material culture and history are heavily dependent on government sponsorship. Almost all archives, no matter what their size, tend to suffer from a shortage of funds. Their collections are on the whole little known or not known at all, and some are still difficult to access by the public and scholars.
Rapid change has occurred in this field in the past decade. This is due, first, to greater attention paid by universities, Jewish studies programmes and specialized libraries around the world seeking public access to significant archive collections in former Communist countries, and second, to increased interest in Jewish genealogy. Increased access to library and archival collections in Central and Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union has led researchers to discover vast quantities of valuable materials that are often unsorted, essentially un-catalogued and in deteriorating condition due to decades of poor storage and neglect.
What does the European Archives and Libraries with Jewish Collections Grant Programme fund?
The grant programme aims to assist archives and libraries with significant holdings that bear testimony to the rich history, culture and religious practice of European Jewish communities. The programme encourages efforts to improve the protection, preservation and availability of collections.
Digitization projects are regarded as an area of priority and are therefore strongly encouraged. Moreover, the grant programme welcomes and encourages collaboration and networking among European archives and libraries with Jewish holdings and invites proposals for joint initiatives by a number of institutions.
Proposals can include requests for staff training and support; upgrading and purchase of equipment and archival materials; and preparation and publication (print and/or web) of collection catalogues. Priority will be given to projects that support more than one collection.
Applications for the improvement of facilities to support microfilming and other forms of copying (film, digital, etc.) will be accepted. Emphasis will be placed on the production of catalogues, printed and online, made widely available so that scholars can easily identify whether there is material relevant to their work and consult the available documents.
What does the European Archives and Libraries with Jewish Collections Grant Programme not fund?
Generally grants are not given for detailed scholarly research projects, to cover institutional overheads, or card cataloguing initiatives.
Who can apply?
Archives situated in European institutions (including Russia, Ukraine and Belarus) which would be regarded as charities under UK charity law are eligible to apply. More information on eligibility.