A Nice to Have

The value of community archives

Abstract

Over the past few years, I have been involved in writing a number of grant applications to funding agencies on behalf of associations and organisations who hold important local archives and collections. In doing so, I have faced the same frustrations experienced by many when looking for funding for the cultural heritage sector, and indeed for all not-for-profit organisations. There is the economic reality of limited (and diminishing) pots of funds, competition between many worthwhile organisations, and in New Zealand, a small economy with limited tax revenue.