Esmée Fairbairn Communities and Collections Fund

The Esmée Fairbairn Communities and Collections Fund supports museums in using their collections to improve inclusion and equitable working with community partners. The fund is the evolution of the Esmée Fairbairn Collections Fund, with a new name that better represents its dual focus on collections and inclusion. Administered by the Museums Association on behalf of the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, the fund has awarded £16 million in over 200 grants since 2011. The fund offers two types of grants: core grants to single museum organisations for strategic development of their inclusive collections work, and partnership project grants for museums and community organisations working equitably with collections to achieve shared aims for inclusion. The fund places emphasis on equitable working, supporting wellbeing, and legacy planning. The funding aims to strengthen partnerships between museums and communities, with community organisations having a say in how funding is spent. The program supports staff and community partners through fostering truly equitable relationships between museums and communities, putting people at the heart of museum work. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Museums Association for advice on eligibility and help developing applications before submitting an expression of interest.