13 May 2024
Funding for UK Museums and Galleries to Bring Collections Closer to People
Provided by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and administered by the Museums Association (MA), the Collections Fund supports museums and their community partners to develop together, using existing collections.
The fund is open to all museums and galleries in the UK with priority given to smaller and medium-sized organisations where funding of this size can make the most difference in the long term.
Following a period of review last year, the fund currently supports museums that have established strategic aims for diversity, equity and inclusion; and that are ready to use their collections and Esmée Fairbairn Foundation funding to support social and climate justice, in ways that are relevant to local contexts and relationships.
Grants of £40,000–£100,000 are available over a period of up to three years. It is expected that around 12 grants per year will be awarded over the two funding rounds in 2024. The funding can be used for core costs, a change from previous years.
Successful applicants are required to join the Collections Network and should reserve resources to allow at least one to two people to attend network meetings at least twice a year. Alongside informal peer support, the Collections Network includes coaching conversations and action learning sets to support planning, evaluation and legacy.
The deadline for applications to the second round is 16 September 2024.