Expressions of Interest are open for the 2027 round of this Fund. Run by the Museums Association, it supports a range of projects that bring collections closer to people.

Museums, galleries and heritage organisations in the UK can apply for grants of up to £110,000 for projects lasting up to three years. The fund expects to award around 12 grants in total, across two funding rounds.

The overall purpose of the Fund remains the same but with updated processes to better support the best of the types of applications. It will place more emphasis on equitable working, supporting wellbeing and legacy planning.

The funding offers:

• Core grants to museums that have established strategic aims for DEI, and that are ready to use their collections and funding to support social and climate justice in ways that are relevant to local contexts and relationships. Work should address organisational or systemic change with potential for strong legacy and future community partnership.

• Partnership project grants to museums and community organisations that work equitably together and share aims for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). The funder is looking for ambitious and compelling ideas for inclusive project work with collections, with a focus on how the work contributes to local community agendas and needs.

Pre-application advice on eligibility and for help to develop applications is available.

The deadlines to express interest are:

• 20 January 2027 – for June 2027 grants
• 14 July 2027 – for December 2027 grants.

For more details, including contact details for advice, visit the Museums Association Esmee Fairbairn Communities & Collections Fund webpage.