Australian Sesquicentennial Gift Trust for Awards in Oral History

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the closing date for applications?

30 April each year.

How much can I apply for?

We will consider applications for one large grant of up to $35,000 (see below). Most other grants are in the $4000 – $8000 range. Every year we have around $75,000 to disburse.

What can I use the funding for?

It can be used for expenses to do with the recording of oral history:

training
travel and other expenses
buying good quality recording equipment
having photographs relevant to the interviews developed or copied

What will not be funded?

The purchase of computers, stationery, cameras or video cameras will not be funded.
Projects that record interviews only on video are very unlikely to get funding.
We do not fund further work required for using oral history in displays, exhibitions or books. For example, if you applied for an Award to record 10 interviews, transcribe them and publish a book using the material, you would only get money for the recording of the interviews.
If you need funding to use in a publication the interviews you have recorded, you could apply for an Award in History.

Are there any conditions required from me if I get an Award?

Yes.

You are expected to complete the project within one year of receiving the grant.
You must agree to abide by the Code of Ethical and Technical Practice of the National Oral History Association of New Zealand Te Kete Korero-a-Waha o Te Motu. Copies of the Code are also available from the Senior Oral Historian – see contact details below.
You must provide for each interview an oral history recording Agreement Form signed by the person interviewed. The form can be downloaded from here. (Hard copies are available from Senior Oral Historian – see below).
A detailed contents summary must be deposited with each interview.
All the original recordings will be deposited at the Oral History Centre, Alexander Turnbull Library in Wellington
You must send the History Group regular progress reports on request until the project is completed
You should acknowledge the assistance of the Australian Sesquicentennial Gift Trust for Awards in Oral History in any publication, public use or broadcast resulting from the project

What are the criteria for the large Award?

Consideration for the large Award will be given to skilled oral historians with a proven track record of completion, for work on a highly significant national project that will add substantially to our understanding of New Zealand’s past. All other criteria apply as for lesser awards.

I work in a university/tertiary institution or I’m writing a thesis at university. Can I apply for funding?

No, if the project is related to your university work and you are eligible for university funding for it.
No, not if you are a student.

We are a community group. Can we apply for funding?

Yes. Community groups and individuals can apply. (Please include the name of a contact person in your group in your application.) However, if you are a trust or an incorporated society, you may wish to explore applying for a Lotteries Environment and Heritage grant instead.

I’ve actually finished recording the interviews. Can I apply for funding for my costs for this?

No, we don’t fund retrospectively.

I’ve already bought the recording equipment. Can I apply for funding for this?

No, we don’t fund retrospectively.

Will you make copies of the interviews for me?

No, we don't provide this service.

When will I find out if I’ve been successful?

By the end of June.

Who decides whether or not I get an Award?

A committee of oral historians from different backgrounds.

Is the Award taxed?

We recommend that you check this with IRD or your accountant.

History Awards