NI Museum Council: Recovery Grant Programme

Overview

For some museums, recovery is about planning to reopen or sustaining reopening, but for others it is about seeking a more effective way of working at home that enables connections with staff and audiences to be maintained while the museum remains closed. Adapting existing or developing new ways to connect with audiences is essential for museums.

The Recovery Grant can support the costs of re-opening in a way that ensures the safety and confidence of staff, volunteers, and visitors while restrictions are still in place due to COVID19. Applicants must follow the NI Executive’s guidelines for re-opening and well as PHA guidance

Working at home will remain in place for many museum staff for the next few months. Therefore, this grant will also support the costs of working at home that ensures an effective business service for the public, funders, and all service users.

The fund will contribute towards the costs of essential adaptations, equipment and training. The Recovery Grant, whether your museum is open or closed, will also support you adapting existing or developing new ways to connect or re-engage audiences.

What level of funding is available?

Awards Accredited museums can apply for up to £1,000. No match funding is required, but 10% of your overall cost would be appreciated. The Recovery Grant cannot cover VAT.

What the fund can cover

It is recognised there is a cost to:

• Re-opening safely and maintaining a re-opened venue
• Re-positioning your programming
• Reconnecting with audiences
• Working effectively from home

This can cover (but is not limited to):

• Adapting existing, or developing new, ways to connect with your audiences
• Enhancing your online offering
• PPE for staff and volunteers in line with the NI Executive’s Guidance
• Cleaning equipment and products
• Screens and barriers
• Signage
• Contactless payment technology
• Independent Health & Safety Assessments which comply with government guidelines
• Other equipment and materials necessary to comply with government guidelines
• Computer software (but not ongoing costs)/hardware/equipment
• Training for staff and volunteers

The fund will support essential requirements to re-open in compliance with government guidelines.

Recovery Grant Priorities

This fund prioritises applications which clearly demonstrate that:

• Your project will enable your museum to reconnect with its audiences
• The items requested are essential to re-open your museum safely and in accordance with government guidelines (please explain why you believe they are essential)
• The items requested are essential to work at home effectively to ensure an effective museum provision (please explain why you believe they are essential)
• You have referenced government guidelines and other relevant information to inform the adaptations or changes you are planning (specify the relevant guidance)
• The equipment or quantities of items you are requesting are appropriate (how did you determine the quantities; what are your annual visitor numbers)

For more information go to the guidance notes on their website