New Zealand History Research Trust Fund

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I apply for?

This year is the 21st anniversary of the Awards in History. To acknowledge this milestone, in the next funding round (which closes on 15 October 2010) the Trust Fund will grant one major Award of $60,000, as well as a number of smaller Awards of up to $12,000. 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 undertaking a university project and you are eligible for any of the research funding the university has available for staff and students. You are eligible to apply, however, if you are undertaking a private project in your own time, regardless of your status as a fulltime or part-time university staff member or student.

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?

All applicants will be notified of the outcome by early December and, if successful, will be sent a cheque at that time. The recipient of the major Award of $60,000 in the 2010/11 funding round will receive this amount in instalments as agreed with the Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

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