Collections Access

Collections Access grants are available to museums needing direct support, from an expert or specialist consultant, to help improve access to collections.

Access may be improved by; improving documentation, improving storage, care and management of collections, by providing collections training for staff or volunteers, improving display and information about collections and by tackling backlogs.

Are you eligible to apply?

Grants can directly support Accredited museums and those working towards Accreditation.

All museums applying for grant funds must complete the MDEM Business Diagnostic within two months of the grant application to identify areas of need that can be supported by Museum Development immediately and in the future. This enables MDEM to understand where investment helps support longer term strategic/ organisational development.

What the grant will fund?

training costs
purchase of documentation, conservation or storage materials and equipment
costs of working with collections specialists, to work with your museum, over a defined period of time to address any of the above (we can help you find specialists that can support you and appropriate trainers if needed).

Match funding

We are encouraging all museums to demonstrate how they are match funding their grant from MDEM. We request a minimum of 10% match funding which can be demonstrated in volunteer-time where appropriate.

Museum Commitment: By applying for a grant you are acknowledging that you will provide MDEM with case studies and supporting museum information when requested.