Deadline: 17-Apr-2026
The Museum Development North Open Grants scheme supports museums in northern England to strengthen organisational capacity, improve service delivery, and enhance workforce development. Grants range from £1,000–£5,000 for individual museums and up to £7,500 for multisite or partnership projects, funding activities that align with Arts Council England’s Investment Principles.
Overview
The programme aims to help museums:
- Build organisational capability and long-term planning
- Improve service delivery and operational performance
- Support experimentation and new ways of working
- Enable staff to flourish and find meaning in their roles
- Align with Arts Council England’s principles: Ambition & Quality, Dynamism, Environmental Responsibility, Inclusivity & Relevance
Funding & Duration
- Individual accredited or provisional museums: £1,000 – £5,000
- Multisite, partnerships, or consortiums: up to £7,500
- Funding covers:
- Materials and equipment
- Freelancers or specialist expertise
- Research and development
- ICT and digital infrastructure (justified)
- Promotional activities
- Minor building modifications (accessibility or environmental)
- Staffing for new approaches to working
- Exclusions: major building works, ongoing salaries, routine costs, undocumented expenses, pre-project costs, or projects already supported by Arts Council England
Eligibility
- Eligible: Accredited museums, provisional museums, or those formally working towards accreditation in northern England
- Non-accredited museums can participate as partners in collaborative projects
- Ineligible: National Portfolio Organisations, DCMS-sponsored national museums, English Heritage or National Trust sites, and unaccredited museums applying independently
Why It Matters
This grant enables museums to enhance operational effectiveness, explore innovative practices, and support workforce development, ensuring they meet high accreditation standards and provide quality services to the public.
How to Apply
- Confirm eligibility of your museum or partnership
- Identify activities aligned with organisational development and Arts Council principles
- Prepare a project proposal with budget and objectives
- Submit application according to Arts Council England guidelines
FAQs
- Who can apply?
Accredited or provisional museums in northern England; non-accredited museums can partner with accredited institutions. - What is the funding range?
£1,000–£5,000 for individual museums; up to £7,500 for partnerships/multisite projects. - What activities are supported?
Materials, specialist hires, R&D, ICT, promotion, minor building/accessibility improvements, staffing for new approaches. - What is not funded?
Major building works, ongoing salaries, routine operations, undocumented costs, pre-project expenses, or previously funded projects. - Can partnerships apply?
Yes, but the lead must be an accredited museum. - Are National Portfolio Organisations eligible?
No.
Conclusion
The Museum Development North Open Grants empower museums to strengthen organisational capacity, innovate, and meet accreditation standards, enhancing public engagement, workforce development, and operational excellence.
For more information, visit Museum Development North.