Deadline: 1-Jul-25
The Wolfson Foundation provides funding for museums and galleries to improve the display and interpretation of nationally significant collections for the public.
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
- Examples of ineligible projects and costs include:
- 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
- They generally award grants towards refurbishing or creating new galleries and, occasionally to education and learning spaces.
- 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.
For more information, visit The Wolfson Foundation.