An international organisation for all those interested in lesser traditional buildings

VAG Grant Schemes

The Vernacular Architecture Group offers two grant schemes: Research Grants and Publication Grants. Further guidance is available in the application forms - please follow the links below.


Research Grants

The Vernacular Architecture Group provides a substantial sum for a scheme of grants in support of the study and presentation of vernacular architecture. Grants are available both for research projects and for the promotion or presentation of the subject. Possible topics include (but are not limited to) building recording, historical research, dating (as part of a wider scheme), preparation of drawings for publication, support of conferences, or of local groups, creation of websites, or preparation of exhibition boards and displays. Preparatory work in advance of a future Group conference is particularly welcome. There are no geographical limitations on the scope of projects.

The projects should (1) normally have firm end-points rather than be open-ended, though the possibility of future extension is not excluded; (2) contribute to some concrete deliverables. Such deliverables include but are not limited to: an article for Vernacular Architecture, a web-based database, a conference paper or handbook, a search tool, an exhibition. It will normally be a specific requirement of the grant offer that at the least a brief report for the newsletter or journal will be provided.

Individual grants have an upper limit of about £3500. There are no strict rules about the proportion of the total project cost that will be funded, and requests for 100% funding are permitted. However, the provision of partial support by the applicant is encouraged, which may be in cash or in kind (for example, through the donation of the time of a professional buildings archaeologist or historian); proposals involving part-funding in partnership with other grant-giving bodies are also welcomed. It is hoped that the applicant or the contact for a group will either be a VAG member or will apply for membership.

A summary of research grants already awarded is available.

How to apply

Application forms (which contain further guidance) can be downloaded from the links below. Enquiries may be directed to Dr Lee Prosser, VAG Grants Secretary (grants@vag.org.uk). The closing date is 28 February each year.


Publication Grants

The Vernacular Architecture Group is providing funding for a publication grants scheme to support authors with the preparation of works on vernacular architecture for publication. The intended outcome should be a printed publication, including a paper for the VAG’s journal Vernacular Architecture, a publication by a regional VAG affiliated group, a book or a chapter in a book. The scheme is open to all researchers on vernacular architecture, including buildings historians, buildings archaeologists, field archaeologists, architectural historians, or other researchers (in the UK or beyond). There are no geographical limitations on the scope of submissions. Applications for support with the adaptation and reworking of unpublished material are particularly encouraged. This might include (but is not limited to) unpublished archaeological reports; parts of MA or PhD theses; reports produced following a successful research grant application (from the VAG or otherwise); or a draft article which requires assistance from a professional translator or editor to refine the language and grammar. The scheme can also assist with other publication tasks, such as the preparation of illustrations.

Individual grants will be in the range of around £500-£2000. There are no strict rules about the proportion of the total project cost that will be funded, and requests for 100% funding are permitted. However, the provision of partial support or match funding by the applicant is encouraged. This support may be in cash or in kind (eg through the donation of the time of a co-author).

You should contact us in advance of making an application if you have any questions about the eligibility of your proposal.

How to apply

Application forms (which contain further guidance) can be downloaded from the links below. Enquiries may be directed to Dr Lee Prosser, VAG Grants Secretary (grants@vag.org.uk). Applications can be submitted at any time.


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