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Open Grants

Our largest grant scheme, Open Grants covers a broad range of museum activity. The maximum amount an individual museum can apply for through our Open Grant scheme is £5,000.

Our largest grant scheme, Open Grants covers a broad range of museum activity and responds to the Arts Council England Let’s Create Investment Principles.

Eligible museums may apply for up to £5,000 for Open Grants.

MDM Open Grants will be open for Round One on 30th April and close on 29th June 2026.

KEY DATES FOR ROUND ONE

Application form and guidance released: Thursday 30 April 2026

Application deadline: 5pm, Monday 29 June 2026

Grant Panel meeting: Tuesday 14 July 2026

Notification of Outcome: Friday 24 July 2026

Deadline for Award Acceptance (return signed grant offer letter and completed bank form): Friday 7 August 2026

All grant expenditure must be completed by: 6 March 2027

Evaluation and Monitoring Forms (including evidence of expenditure) to be returned no later than: 20 March 2027

You must complete the Annual Museum Survey 2025 by: Spring/ Summer 2027 (dates tbc)

Round Two is scheduled to open in October 2026

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