Grant News
The Museums Association (MA) has announced the forthcoming launch of the Health and Wellbeing in Museums Fund. The fund, provided by the Julia Rausing Trust, aims to improve UK museums' health and wellbeing programmes, during financially challenging times and rising service demands.
The fund is set to open for applications on 28 April 2025, with a submission deadline of 26 June 2025. In this inaugural round, approximately 10 grants, each ranging from £50,000 to £75,000, will be awarded. A second round is planned for 2026.
The types of activities that could be supported include:
- Mental health support initiatives, such as therapeutic art sessions, mindfulness workshops, or social prescribing partnerships.
- Programmes tackling loneliness and social isolation, especially those targeting vulnerable or marginalised groups such as older people, refugees, or individuals with long-term health conditions.
- Interventions addressing physical health, including gentle movement classes, wellbeing walks, or sensory activities tailored for people with dementia or disabilities.
- Creative engagement projects that promote emotional resilience, community connection, or recovery from trauma or addiction.
- Collaborations with healthcare providers, community groups, or voluntary sector organisations that embed museums in local health ecosystems.
- Staff and volunteer training and development related to delivering health and wellbeing services.
Eligible applicants are UK museums with a proven track record in health and wellbeing initiatives, a strategic commitment to this area, and a clear vision for programme development. The fund supports the advancement of existing projects, emphasising the need for demonstrated impact and sustainable legacy.
To apply, interested museums should visit the MA's website starting 28 April 2025 to access an eligibility quiz and application guidance. The application process is designed to be supportive and efficient, ensuring that only those with strong potential are invited to submit full applications.