New Zealand History Research Trust Fund

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I apply for?

There is no set limit but we usually do not give more than $12,000 for a project, so it's sensible to set your funding around that mark. The Trust Fund can also make one large Award of up to $30,000. Every year we have between $80,000 and $90,000 to disburse, and normally there are around 80 applications, of which 10-12 receive awards.

What can I use the funding for?

It can be used for any expenses to do with the researching and writing process.

Travel costs (national or international) if you need to visit archives and libraries
Equipment costs such as computers
Research costs such as photocopying, getting copies of photographs, stationery
Paying yourself a wage if you take time out of your regular paid work to do the project; or paying yourself a wage if you are unemployed
Some oral history as part of the research for the project.

But you can't use the funding for:

Costs relating to the publication of the work (design, printing of books, publicity)
The collection or arrangement of archival material or the preparation of databases only
Collecting oral histories only; you should apply to the Oral History Awards scheme.

What do I include with my application?

The completed application form, a discussion of the significance of the project to New Zealand history, a budget, the stage the project has reached, an indication of the sources you will be using, brief and relevant personal information, and the names of two people who know your work.

How detailed does the budget need to be?

Just give us a rough guide. For example, if you are applying for $10,000, then indicate that $5000 is to pay yourself a wage for 7 weeks while you write, $2000 is to cover the cost of a new computer, and $3000 is to cover 6 trips from your home to another town where the archives are held. You don't need to itemise the budget beyond that.

Are all types of history eligible?

Yes, so long as you show that the topic is of significance to New Zealand history. If your topic is regional, or is about your family, you should make it clear how the project would enhance the country's history.

I'm writing a historical novel/drama/poem. Can I apply for funding under this scheme?

No, only non-fictional historical scholarship is funded.

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

No, not if you are eligible for any of the research funding the university has, or if you are employed on a permanent basis at the university.

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

Community groups are advised to apply to the Lottery Environment and Heritage Fund, run by the Department of Internal Affairs. That fund assists community groups to get their histories done; it has more funding rounds, so your chances of getting assistance are greater.

Do I send in samples of my work to support my application?

No, and you don't need to send in reports from referees either.

I've actually finished all the work on the project; can I recoup some of the costs?

No, we don't fund retrospectively. The research/writing work on your project must be ongoing after the closing date for applications.

How long will it be before I find out if Ive been successful?

You'll be sent a letter, and if successful, a cheque, in late November or early December.

Who decides whether or not I get an Award?

A special committee of senior historians appointed for the purpose.

I'm registered for GST - will that be added to my Award?

No.

History Awards