Research Grant Applications

The Friends of the Turnbull Library offers an annual research grant of up to $20,000 available to scholars whose research involves use of the collections of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

The closing date for 2026 applications is Friday 3 October 2025.

To apply, please download and complete the Research Grant form 2026. 

Submit your completed application to: ResearchGrant@turnbullfriends.nz

Applications should include (as per the form):

  1. A brief description (100-150 words) of the scope and nature of the research work, describing the project and setting out its aims and significance, its research plan, and the methods and techniques to be employed.
  2. A brief statement of the proposed form of dissemination of the results of your research e.g. publication in book or serial, exhibition, lectures, film etc
  3.  An outline of the way the project supports FoTL objectives relating to research and/or publication projects, namely:
  • To promote publicly the identity of and interest in the Alexander Turnbull Library as a national research and heritage collection;
  • To encourage research and use of the materials held by the Library; and
  • To conduct activities and programmes which will enhance the national standing of the Library.
  1.  An outline of your current state of progress on this research project and your estimated completion date.
  2. A statement of the relevance of the Alexander Turnbull Library collections for your proposed research. If possible, you should provide specific information about the book collections or special materials (manuscripts, maps, photographs, etc) on which the proposed research will be based. Please indicate how much time (days, weeks or months) you expect to spend in the Turnbull Library.
  3. Brief details of any other source of funding (received or pending) for the proposed research project.
  4. Your curriculum vitae, including nominated referees and relevant educational and research achievements and any previous publications.

Terms and Conditions

  1. The FoTL Grant will be made to the approved applicant(s) to carry out a piece of research where there is significant use of the ATL collections. This does not preclude the use of other collections.
  2. The grant may be shared between more than one applicant, and payment may be made in lump sum or instalments, according to the decision of the FoTL Committee.
  3. Applicants do not have to be New Zealand citizens.
  4. The grant will NOT be awarded for research towards a university degree.
  5. Nominated referees for all short-listed applicants will be contacted to confirm that the applicant has the necessary skills and background to complete and present the research satisfactorily.
  6. Applicants will normally be notified of the decision of the Committee within two months of date of the application deadline.
  7. Recipients will be required to submit a progress report by the end of September (approximately twelve months after the application deadline).
  8. Recipients will agree to publicity in connection with the FoTL Research Grant.
  9. Recipients may be asked to address a FoTL meeting on their research, and/or provide a report for the Friends’ regular publications.
  10. Subsequent publications relating to the research grant should carry an appropriate acknowledgement.

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