Creating a successful grant application

The majority of museums, libraries and archives exist for the benefit of the public and, as such, are eligible to apply for a wide range of public sector grants.  For more information on grants that might be available to you visit our available funding page.

So whether you’re making an application for the first time in your career or you are an experienced professional, it can be an intimidating process. But help is at hand.

By using the Guidance Notes suggested by other museum experts you will be able to produce a focused and clear grant application.  The website also contains successful grant applications kindly donated by your peers, which are useful best practice examples.

Grant Application Guidance Notes

  1. Make a copy of your application form and complete the sections in pencil.
  2. Make sure the application meets the criteria of the grant giving body.
  3. Answer all the questions, and fit the answers to the purpose of the grant-giving body.
  4. Write in short sentences or bullet points rather than long complicated sentences.
  5. Be realistic when asking for money.
  6. Check for spelling mistakes.
  7. Ask an outsider to read the application – the grant-giving body may not know your organisation and they will pick up unclear points.

For further information on creating a successful grant application please see the documents available in our downloads section:

Cost/Benefits appraisals for collection care - Guide to provide museums with a tool for putting together cost/benefits appraisals for use in financial decision making.

List of UK funding bodies - List of bodies from which funding can be obtained.

Preparing funding applications for preservation and conservation projects - Leaflet offering advice and guidance to librarians, archivists and conservators preparing funding applications for projects.

Example of a successful grant application - Powys Central Museum Store: Environmental Monitoring Equipment.