NIMC: Local Museums Small Capital Grant Programme

Overview

The programme is intended to provide maximum flexibility for eligible museums; however, they encourage applications which are aligned to the Programme for Government priorities of

• Early learning and special educational needs
• Climate action and sustainability
• Sustainability of public services- access and infrastructure

The entire NIMC Small Capital Grants Programme budget will be available for allocation within the first application submission window. Subsequent application submission windows will only be used if budget remains un-committed. It is therefore advisable that eligible museums submit their applications by the 15 August 2025.

Eligibility

The NIMC Local Museums Small Capital Grant Programme is open to all UK Accreditation Scheme Accredited (Full or Provisional) non-National museums in Northern Ireland. 

NIMC supports non-Accredited museums and collections by providing training, advice and guidance. You should be a member to access these services. To join, please visit www.nimc.co.uk . 

Funding Levels & Notes

Eligible museums can apply for £500 - £10,000 per funding application. 

Please keep in mind that the amount of money available is limited and demand for funds is likely to be extremely high. It is not usually possible to fund all applications which simply meet the criteria or to fund the entirety of any given request. 

You should be realistic in your expectations and budgets and bear in mind that NIMC may choose to fund specific elements of your proposal rather than the full request. 

Match Funding -  10% of your overall cost is required. 

While it is preferred this funding is financial, other in-kind funding such as partnership funding or other resource contributions may be considered if detailed information is provided which shows it is demonstrably relevant to the proposed project. 

Eligible costs

 As this programme is a Capital fund, you can apply for any equipment and / or minor works to help adapt your venue or working practice. This could be, but is not limited to, the following:

• Equipment/minor works to 
• Enhance accessibility/delivery 
• Assist/improve public access to exhibitions/building 
• Upgrade systems to improve sustainability/environmental impact 
• Develop or supplement loan boxes 
• Develop or supplement schools or outreach programme 

Note: 

• It might be possible to pay for specialist/contractor time if the correlation between their contribution and the grant outcome taking place is clear. Please contact NIMC to discuss this or any other questions you may have before you send in your application. 
• If your project relates specifically to collections and their care, please apply to the NIMC Local Museums Collections Fund Programme instead.
• NIMC will not pay VAT on any expenditure incurred by VAT registered organisations with the ability to reclaim VAT costs. 
• The grant will be paid retrospectively on production of project completion form and invoices/receipts. 
• The maximum amount NIMC will fund will not exceed £10,000. Once awarded, grants cannot be increased.