About
The Association of Independent Museums (AIM) represents, connects and strengthens the UK's independent museums, galleries and heritage organisations. AIM supports over 1000 independent organisations across the UK, providing practical help, funding opportunities through grants, events and training, research resources, and a supportive community network. The organization helps museums prosper by offering member benefits including grants, discounts, expert support from consultants and mentors, and access to success guides and best practice guidance.
Funding Opportunities
AIM Training Grants
AIM training grants of up to £350 are available to support member museums in developing the skills and expertise of their workforce (paid or voluntary). Priority will be given to smaller museums receiving less than 20,000 visitors a year. The grants support costs related to fees, accommodation (where distance travel is involved), and environmentally sensitive travel for training activities. AIM member organisations can apply for funding to support training and development, with multiple applications allowed up to a total value of £350 per year. Applications are assessed on the first Tuesday of each month and decisions are shared via email. The grant can be used to fund attendance of courses, seminars, and workshops; online remote courses and training; subject specialist training; museum study visits; and mentoring placements. Payment of grant funding is made retrospectively on receipt of a statement of expenses incurred, proof of expenditure, an image, and a brief report. Grants awarded for use in 2026 need to be completed and claimed before Monday 14 December 2026. The program does not fund conference tickets/expenses or individual continuous professional development where there is no organisational benefit.
Collections Care and Conservation Grants
The Collections Care and Conservation Grants programme is funded by the Pilgrim Trust and supports small to medium-sized museums in caring for their historic collections. The programme offers Collections Care Audits conducted by accredited conservators (ACR) to help museums identify key collection care issues through examination of the ten agents of deterioration within display and store environments. These audits provide a professional assessment and recommendations that help museums meet Accreditation standards and develop future conservation projects. The funding enables museums to bring in conservation expertise they could not otherwise afford, embedding new skills into staff and volunteer teams with long-term benefits for collections work. The programme specifically targets AIM members with fewer than 50,000 visitors per year, ensuring that smaller institutions can access professional conservation advice. Audits are undertaken over three days by fully accredited conservators. In 2025, additional funding for collections care and remedial conservation projects (previously available separately for up to £10,000) will be offered through the Museum Fundamentals grant programme. The scheme is run in partnership with ICON (Institute of Conservation) and aims to help museums develop more sustainable approaches to conservation and management of their collections.
At a Glance
- Total Funding Opportunities
- 5
- Active Now
- 2
- Source Domain
- aim-museums.co.uk
Catalog Data
This funder profile was automatically extracted from grant listings. Information may be incomplete.
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