The following guidelines provide information about:
- how to apply
- our different application schemes,
- what is required if your application is successful
Our funding ranges from a few hundred pounds to hundreds of thousands of pounds, and in certain cases we may be willing to meet the total cost of your acquisition.
How to apply
The Grants Office requires all applications to be made online. To start a Grant Application you will need to register. When you save your form for the first time, your username and password will be confirmed to you by email.
Login at the top of the page to access past and current applications.
Prior beginning the application process please read the instructions on how to complete our form and information we expect you to supply.
Before you begin the application process we ask that you contact the Grants Office to discuss your proposed application.
Who is eligible to apply?
Any UK public collection accredited with the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) may apply to The Art Fund for a grant. You can apply to us as often as required. Please contact the Grants Office if you are in any doubt about the eligibility of your institution, or the object you wish to acquire.
How much can you apply for?
We usually fund part of the cost of an acquisition, with the remaining funds coming from your own or other resources. We will also welcome applications where no other money is available, so long as you have thoroughly explored the possibility of applying to all appropriate sources of public funding for which you may be eligible. If you decide not to approach the relevant public funding bodies, are given advice from them that your application is unlikely to qualify, or your application is formally rejected, you must explain the reasons for this.
You may be applying for an Art Fund Grant as the first stage in a wider fundraising campaign. Once you have been offered a grant, please inform us of your progress, and of any changes in circumstances, including any change in the price as this can affect your grant. Receiving an Art Fund Grant often helps unlock other sources of funding.
