Deadline: 20-May-2026
The Health and Wellbeing in Museums Fund provides UK museums with grants of £50,000–£75,000 to sustain and enhance health and wellbeing initiatives. Delivered by the Museums Association with support from the Julia Rausing Trust, the programme combines funding with networking and learning opportunities, helping museums embed long-term, strategic wellbeing practices for staff, volunteers, participants, and communities.
Programme Overview
The Health and Wellbeing in Museums Fund supports UK museums in maintaining and developing impactful health and wellbeing programmes during financial pressures and rising public demand. The fund encourages initiatives that:
- Build on proven existing programmes
- Demonstrate strategic commitment to health and wellbeing
- Embed and improve ongoing initiatives
- Promote a culture of care supported at governance level
Key Objectives
- Strengthen and sustain health and wellbeing programmes in museums
- Support organisational practices that ensure staff, volunteer, and participant wellbeing
- Enhance long-term impact and sustainability of museum initiatives
- Facilitate networking, knowledge sharing, and learning opportunities across the sector
Grant Details
- Funding range: £50,000–£75,000 per project
- Duration: Approximately two years, maximum 36 months
- Purpose: Embed, strengthen, and develop existing health and wellbeing work to ensure continuity and long-term impact
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be an institutional member of the Museums Association
- Must demonstrate commitment to the Museums Change Lives campaign and the Code of Ethics
- Must meet recognised standards of good practice:
- Accredited, working towards accreditation, or equivalent standards
- Adherence to governance, access, public benefit, and collections care expectations
- Must demonstrate a track record in health and wellbeing initiatives
- Must show organisational commitment, policies, and practices supporting wellbeing of staff, volunteers, partners, and participants
Application Process
- Complete the online eligibility quiz
- Eligible organisations are invited to discuss proposals with fund administrators
- Prepare project plans demonstrating strategic impact, sustainability, and alignment with programme goals
Expected Outcomes
- Continuation and strengthening of health and wellbeing programmes
- Greater organisational capacity to support staff, volunteers, and participants
- Sustainable initiatives with measurable community impact
- A sector-wide culture of care embedded at governance and operational levels
Tips for Applicants
- Highlight how the project builds on existing programmes and past successes
- Demonstrate clear organisational and strategic commitment to wellbeing
- Include plans for sustainability beyond the grant period
- Show alignment with Museums Change Lives objectives
- Ensure proposals reflect recognised standards of good practice
FAQ
Q1: Who can apply for this fund?
A1: UK museums that are institutional members of the Museums Association and meet recognised standards of good practice.
Q2: How much funding is available?
A2: Grants range from £50,000 to £75,000 for projects lasting up to 36 months.
Q3: What types of initiatives are supported?
A3: Health and wellbeing programmes for staff, volunteers, partners, and participants, especially those building on proven programmes.
Q4: Is strategic commitment required?
A4: Yes. Applicants must show organisational policies and practices that embed wellbeing at all levels.
Q5: What are the accreditation requirements?
A5: Museums must be accredited, working towards accreditation, or demonstrate equivalent standards where formal accreditation is not applicable.
Q6: Are networking opportunities included?
A6: Yes. The fund combines financial support with opportunities for learning, networking, and sector collaboration.
Q7: How does the fund contribute to sustainability?
A7: By strengthening existing programmes, embedding strategic wellbeing practices, and ensuring initiatives remain effective despite financial pressures.
Conclusion
The Health and Wellbeing in Museums Fund empowers UK museums to maintain and enhance their role in supporting community health and wellbeing. By providing funding, strategic support, and learning opportunities, the programme ensures that museum initiatives remain sustainable, impactful, and responsive to growing community needs.
For more information, visit Museums Association.