Support for Scotland’s Museums During COVID-19 Downturn

Support for Scotland’s Museums During COVID-19 Downturn

Museums Galleries Scotland is offering two funding programmes to support the country’s museums through troubling economic times brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Urgent Response COVID-19 Fund has been established to support Scotland’s independent museums and galleries that have been critically affected by loss of income as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Eligible organisations can apply for between £3,000 and £60,000. The funder expects demand to exceed funds available, so awards will be limited to a maximum of three months of urgent costs. These emergency awards will cover core costs and will not be tied to project outcomes.

Independent accredited museums in Scotland will qualify. Museums without core funding that are reliant on trading income are at the highest risk in the current crisis and in light of likely demand, funding must be prioritised to support those most at risk.

The Digital Resilience COVID-19 Fund offers funding for museums to purchase primary equipment and software to enable them to adapt to more digital working during the period of closures brought about by the coronavirus outbreak and the associated restrictions.

In total there is £55,000 available for distribution. Eligible organisations can apply for between £300 and £3,000. If a request is smaller than £300, the applicant is asked to contact the provider’s grants team.

Any organisation that runs an accredited museum in Scotland can apply. Non-accredited museums may also qualify but must demonstrate that they operate a physical site/space/building which is normally open to the public for a minimum of 20 days a year.

There are no deadlines. Applications for both funds will be assessed on a rolling basis and processed as quickly as possible.

More information about this funding opportunity and the application process is available on the GRANTfinder funding information platform. GRANTfinder provides up-to-the minute content, insight and analysis on funding news. To find out more about how GRANTfinder can keep you in the know, and subscription fees, contact us today.