Open Grants

Museum Development North will enable strong, agile museums to contribute to the distinctive life, cultures and identity of the North of England and be widely valued for their transformational impact.

• We challenge museums in the North of England to be the best they can be, for everyone.
• We empower museums to be sustainable, inclusive and dynamic, agile, having a positive impact on people, communities and society.
• We create opportunities for museums to connect, collaborate and grow.

MD North Open Grants are a major part of the Museum Development North (MD North) programme using our core funding from Arts Council England (ACE).

Grant Programme Summary 

There are three rounds of grants planned for 2024-2026:

• Round 1 opens on 15 April and closes on 7 June 2024
• Round 2 opens on 24 June and closes on 13 September 2024
• Round 3 opens on 13 January and closes on 4 April 2025

In Rounds 1 and 2, 2024-25, £68,000 is allocated to museums across the North region, with an emphasis on the quality of the proposed project.

The maximum amount an individual museum can apply for is £5,000.

Multisite organisations, partnerships and consortiums can apply for £7,500 where the funding will benefit more than one Accredited museum, including those officially Working Towards Accreditation.

All projects funds must be spent and completed with final reports and invoices submitted to MD North by:

• Round 1: 30 June 2025
• Round 2: 30 September 2025
• Round 3: 31 March 2026

We may release up to 90% of the grant value on signing the grant acceptance letter; with the remainder on completion of the project, submission of final report and proof of expenditure.

Project criteria is focused around ACE’s Let’s Create.

Round 2 of the open grant programme opens on 24 June and closes on 13 September 2024.

To apply:

• Read the full guidance before making an application.
• A Word version of the application form is available to help you plan. Please use the online application form – applications made in Word format will not be accepted. If you have any difficulty completing the online form please contact Kaye Hardyman, kaye.hardyman@museumdevelopmentnorth.org.uk.
• Apply online.