Grants & Awards
Oral History NSW provides grants and awards to help members take part in professional development opportunities, such as national and international conferences.
To be eligible, applicants must be current financial members of Oral History NSW.
Oral History NSW grants & AWARDS
The Oral History NSW Community History Award acknowledges the work of individuals or community groups who are recording the histories of their communities. The winner of the award receives $500. Applications close 14 September 2026.
The Oral History NSW International Conference Grant is available for a member presenting in person at the International Oral History Association Conference (IOHA) held every two years.
The 2025 Conference was held in Krakow, Poland 16-19 September.
One grant of $1200 will be offered. Applications will open in 2027.
The Oral History NSW Conference Grant is available to presenters attending the Biennial Oral History Australia Conference in person. Two grants of $600 each will be offered. Applications for the next OHA Conference in Adelaide will close 31 October 2026.
The Oral History NSW Regional Engagement Grant provides $1500 biennually to support the use and practice of oral history in regional areas. Applications will close 14 September 2026.
Please note: All applications will be assessed based on merit. Oral History NSW reserves the right to not award a grant if applications received do not satisfy all criteria or reflect the required standard.
PREVIOUS WINNERS include:
Community History Award: Our Stories - Albury Library Museum; Margaret Gray - The Silent Generation; Masako Fukui - Cowra Voices; Sandra Pires - Yesterday Stories; Carol McKirdy - Egyptian Life Stories of the Sutherland Shire;
NSW Conference Grant: Jennifer Macey; Venerable Jue Fang; Louise Whelan;
Long Yin Ko; Rhonda Povey;Regional Engagement Grant: Bundanoon History Group
International Conference Grant: Ruth Melville (Belfast);
Other grants & AWARDS
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Oral History Australia (OHA) offers three awards to recognise and encourage achievement in the field of oral history. Each of the three awards are timed to coincide with the OHA Biennial Conference.
Hazel de Berg Award
OHA Book Award
OHA Media Award
Visit the OHA site for more info.
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The RAHS administers NSW Government grant programs that assist with the research and publication of local and specialist history:
Create NSW Cultural Grants Program – available to incorporated groups.
Transport Heritage Grants Program – open to: Individuals who are members of Transport Heritage NSW; Incorporated groups that are not-for-profit or charitable institutions established with transport heritage and/or NSW history or heritage as one of their objectives and purpose.
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The Library offers a number of prestigious and competitive fellowships to support the study, writing and teaching of Australian history and culture.
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The NLA’s Fellowship and Scholarship programs offers opportunities for researchers, writers, artists, and PhD candidates to engage with the NLA’s collections. These programs aim to stimulate scholarly, literary, and artistic endeavours while fostering community engagement.
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The Australian Historical Association administers a program of annual and biennual prizes and awards - more details here.
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The NSW Heritage Grants Program helps owners, custodians, managers, and communities to recognise, value and care for heritage.
Visit the website for more information and to be notified about the next round of heritage grants. -
Small grants to support volunteer groups and organisations improve their skills in areas of museum practice:
Leg Up Grants (up to $500)
Skills Development Grants for regional or state focused skill development training for a broad range of projects.
Project Development Grants for strategic and innovative projects with mid to long term outcomes ($2,500 – $7,500).
Know of any other great funding opportunities for oral historians we could add here? Please get in touch.