Welcome to the South East Museum Development Programme’s Grant Writing Resources Hub.
Fundraising and income generation are key to helping museums become resilient and sustainable organisations. One of the key ways for museums to generate income is by securing funds through grants.
While some museums are fortunate enough to have a dedicated team member leading on grant applications, most rely on a range of museum staff, volunteers, and trustees to take on this important task.
We’ve created this Resource Hub to help you on your grant writing journey; whether you are an experienced fundraiser or are putting together your first application.
Grant Writing Toolkit for Museums
To help build your confidence, and improve the quality of your grant applications, we’ve created a Grant Writing Toolkit for Museums.
You can download the Grant Writing Toolkit (35 pages) as a PDF or open each section separately using the links below.
Section 1: Before writing your application
Section 2: Writing your application
Section 3: Financial information
Appendix 1: Cost/Benefit analysis
Appendix 2: What is the difference between aims, objectives, outcomes and outputs
Appendix 3: Potential sources to support ‘evidence of need’
Appendix 4: Support-in-kind and non-cash contributions
Appendix 5: Procurement method statement
Appendix 6: Different types of funds your organisation can hold
Appendix 7: Most common funds museums can apply to
Appendix 8: Cashflow forecast template (excel)
Appendix 9: Income & expenditure template (excel)
Training – recorded sessions
Grant Writing for Beginners with Sonia Rasbery (recorded 12 July 2021) – 47 mins
Grant Writing – Focus on Figures with Sonia Rasbery (recorded 22 Sept 2021) – 97 mins
Meet the Funder – Art Fund (recorded 9 June 2021) – 53 mins
Meet the Funder – Museums Association (recorded 4 August 2021) – 49 mins
Creative Collections Launch (SEMD Grant) (recorded 10 Sept 2021) - 175 mins
Training – slides
Grant Writing for Beginners (slides) PDF
Grant Writing – Focus on Text (slides) PDF
Grant Writing – Focus on Figures (slides) PDF
Top Tips for ACE National Lottery Project Grants
Top Tips for applying for ACE National Lottery Heritage Grants
Grantium: Step-by-Step guidance
ACE National Lottery Heritage Grants guidance
Grant providers
List of funders that support museums, arts, heritage, and culture
Grant Writing Support
Speak with your local Museum Development Officer (SEMD).
Book a free surgery (via Zoom/Teams) with consultant Sonia Rasbery. Ask your local Museum Development Officer to set up an appointment.