Innovation Fund to Strengthen Museum Sustainability

🏛️ About the Innovation Fund

The Innovation Fund aims to support museums in developing, trialing, and implementing activities that directly improve their financial sustainability. The fund encourages innovative, ambitious, and experimental ideas that might otherwise be considered too risky or impossible without external funding.

💰 Benefits

• Grants range from £20,000 to £250,000.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

• Organizations that run Accredited museums in Scotland.
• Organizations that run non-Accredited museums in Scotland, including those with Working Towards Accreditation status.
• Formally constituted groups of museums (e.g., geographical forums).

Additional Requirements:

• Organizations must comply with the Scottish Government’s Fair Work First policy, which includes:
  • Paying all workers at least the Real Living Wage.
  • Ensuring staff have access to appropriate channels for effective communication.
• For Museum Futures funding, exceptions may be considered for organizations not yet paying the Real Living Wage but actively working towards it. These exceptions require:
  • Demonstrating that the funding will support the organization in paying the Real Living Wage within two years.
  • Meeting all other Fair Work requirements.

🗓️ Application Date and Process

Application Steps:

1. Submit an Expression of Interest Form

   • Email the completed form to MuseumFutures@museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk.
   • The form can be downloaded from the official website.

2. Complete the following before applying:

   • Organizational Health Checker: Submit this to the Museum Futures Team.
   • Fair Work First Employer Declaration: Submit this to the Grants Team.

3. Applications are now open on the MGS Online Portal.

📅 Application Deadline

• 20 January, 2027

📩 Contact Information

For further inquiries or assistance, email MuseumFutures@museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk.

This opportunity is a fantastic chance for museums in Scotland to secure funding for innovative projects that enhance their sustainability and financial health. Don't miss out!

• Grants range from £20,000 to £250,000.