Wolfson Funding for Museums & Galleries (UK)

They generally award grants towards refurbishing or creating new galleries and, occasionally to education and learning spaces.

Aims

• Your project should have at least one of the following aims:
  • Excellent interpretation of permanent collections of national significance
  • Better public engagement with and understanding of collections
  • Increased numbers of visitors to museums and galleries
  • Improved future sustainability of the organisation
  • Conservation of architectural heritage.

Funding Information

• Minimum grant amount:
  • £15,000
• Usual grant range:
  • £50,000 – £500,000
• Match funding required:
  • Yes, if project cost is >£50,000

Ineligible Projects

• Purchase of land or existing buildings (including a building’s freehold)
• Grants direct to individuals
• Grants through conduit organisations
• Overheads, maintenance costs and VAT
• Non-specific appeals (including circulars) and endowment funds
• Costs of meetings, exhibitions, concerts, expeditions, conferences, lectures, etc.
• Salary costs
• Running costs, including vehicle fuel and maintenance
• Film, websites or promotional materials
• Repayment of loans
• Projects that have already been completed or will be by the time of award

Eligibility Criteria

• Your museum or gallery should:
  • be operated by a registered charity or a local authority
  • be fully accredited under the Museum Accreditation Scheme
  • hold a permanent collection of national significance
  • This is generally defined as holding a Designated Outstanding Collection (Arts Council England) or a Recognised Collection (Museums Galleries Scotland). Where a collection is not recognised under one of these schemes, or a national designation scheme is not in place, you should make a strong case for the significance of the collection within a national context.
  • If the museum or gallery does not hold a permanent collection, you should make a clear case for the significance of the exhibition programme and the work of the organisation within the sector.
• Your project should have at least one of the following aims:
  • Excellent interpretation of permanent collections of national significance
  • Better public engagement with and understanding of collections
  • Increased numbers of visitors to museums and galleries
  • Improved future sustainability of the organisation
  • Conservation of architectural heritage.
• Who can apply
  • Registered or exempt charity (or equivalent) or local authority.

For more information, visit The Wolfson Foundation.