Erland Kolding Nielsen Grant 2026: Call for Applications Now Open

The call for applications for the Erland Kolding Nielsen Grant 2026 is now open. The deadline for submission of applications is 14 February 2026. The successful applications will expectedly be announced in March 2026. The early deadline is due to the secretariat’s intention to allow more time for projects to be completed before the end of the year.

About the grant

The Erland Kolding Nielsen Grant celebrates the enormous contribution Erland Kolding Nielsen has made to the development of European libraries throughout his long and distinguished career.

The Grant is an award of up to €5,000, which is given to a CENL member library project that promotes international collaboration and strengthens bonds between CENL libraries. The grant proposal can focus on any aspect of international library collaboration including:

• development of collections (physical and digital)
• improving research
• educational or cultural services including exhibitions
• promoting interlibrary staff communications
• infrastructure development
• staff development

Details on how to apply can be found here.

Please contact the CENL Secretariat at cenl@dnb.de if you have any questions on this grant.

Skills and Knowledge Exchange Bursary: Call for applications is now open for 2026

The call for applications is now open for the 2026 round Skills and Knowledge Exchange Bursary. Bursaries are available for CENL members to share skills and knowledge. They are up to the value of €1,500 per application.

There is no fixed deadline to apply for the Skills and Knowledge Exchange Bursary, applications are accepted year-round.

About the bursary

The bursary can relate to any aspect of skills and knowledge exchange such as:

• Visiting a national library for face-to-face mentoring and shadowing to learn new skills and share your experiences
• Attending a training event (e.g., tutorials, workshops, seminars, conferences) run by other national libraries
• Running a workshop for members to attend and share best practice
• Preparing a webinar or online event for members.

Details on how to apply can be found here.

Please contact the CENL Secretariat at cenl@dnb.de if you have any questions on these funds.