Deadline: 01-Jul-2026
The Wolfson Foundation supports UK-based organisations that manage significant scientific or natural history collections. The programme aims to improve public engagement with science through the development of high-quality galleries, exhibitions, and learning spaces that connect audiences with the history and development of scientific knowledge.
The funding focuses on capital investment projects that strengthen long-term institutional impact and public accessibility.
Programme Objectives and Focus Areas
The programme focuses on:
- Increasing public engagement with science and natural history collections
- Attracting new and diverse audiences to museums and scientific institutions
- Enhancing educational experiences in science and scientific history
- Improving interpretation and presentation of collections
- Strengthening long-term sustainability of cultural and scientific institutions
- Supporting public understanding of science through history-based learning
Eligible Organisations
Eligible applicants include:
- Registered charities in the UK
- Exempt charities
- UK local authorities
- UK universities
Additional requirement:
- Organisations must be accredited under the Museum Accreditation Scheme (where applicable)
- Must manage scientific or natural history collections of national importance
Eligible Projects
Funding supports capital-focused initiatives such as:
- Construction of new buildings or extensions
- Refurbishment of galleries and exhibition spaces
- Development of science learning and interpretation spaces
- Installation of equipment that enhances visitor engagement
- Creation of interactive and educational displays
Projects must demonstrate:
- Strong public benefit
- Improved access to collections
- Enhanced educational outcomes
- Long-term institutional sustainability
Funding Details
- Minimum grant: £100,000
- Typical grant range: £250,000 to £750,000
- Match funding required for projects over £50,000
- Funding is strictly for capital expenditure
Ineligible Costs and Activities
The programme does not fund:
- Purchase of land or buildings
- Salaries or staff costs
- General operational overheads
- Maintenance or running costs
- VAT and indirect costs
- Promotional or marketing expenses
- Direct grants to individuals
- Projects already completed or near completion
Programme Priorities
The Wolfson Foundation prioritises:
- Institutions with nationally significant collections
- High-impact public engagement projects
- Long-term educational infrastructure improvements
- Strong alignment between collections and learning outcomes
- Projects that increase accessibility and audience reach
Programme Purpose and Impact
The funding aims to:
- Strengthen public understanding of science and natural history
- Improve museum and exhibition infrastructure in the UK
- Support educational engagement with scientific heritage
- Increase visitor numbers and broaden audience participation
- Ensure long-term sustainability of cultural institutions
- Enhance the interpretation of scientific collections
How the Programme Works
- Eligible organisations identify capital development needs
- Applicants design a public engagement-focused project
- Applications are submitted with detailed plans and budgets
- Projects are evaluated based on impact, feasibility, and significance
- Successful applicants receive capital funding support
- Institutions implement infrastructure and exhibition improvements
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying for operational or staffing costs
- Submitting projects without national significance of collections
- Weak public engagement or education outcomes
- Lack of accreditation under museum standards
- Insufficient match funding for larger projects
- Including ineligible expenses such as maintenance or salaries
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly demonstrate national importance of collections
- Show strong public engagement and education impact
- Emphasize visitor experience improvements
- Provide detailed capital planning and budgeting
- Highlight long-term sustainability benefits
- Ensure alignment with museum accreditation standards
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does the Wolfson Foundation fund in this programme?
- It funds capital projects that enhance public engagement with scientific and natural history collections in the UK
- Who can apply?
- Registered charities, exempt charities, local authorities, and universities in the UK
- What is the funding range?
- Grants range from £100,000 to £750,000
- Is match funding required?
- Yes, for projects with total costs above £50,000
- What types of costs are not eligible?
- Salaries, maintenance, overheads, VAT, and operational expenses are not funded
Conclusion
The Wolfson Foundation science and natural history collections funding programme strengthens public engagement with science in the UK by investing in major capital projects. Through galleries, exhibitions, and learning spaces, it enhances education, visitor experience, and the long-term sustainability of institutions holding nationally significant collections.
For more information, visit The Wolfson Foundation.
