The Renaissance strategic support fund is the final programme strand of Renaissance to be developed. It aims to address the priorities set out in Culture, knowledge and understanding: great museums and libraries for everyone and complements our Major partner museum and Museum development investment.

It will focus on any gaps (geographical or otherwise) or development opportunities across the sector recognising that excellence and the potential for excellence can be found in museums of all sizes.

In 2012-13, there is approximately £7 million available through the Strategic support fund and £15 million a year in 2013-14 and 2014-15. We expect to see awards of approximately £50,000 to £500,000.

Commissioned grants 2012/13

We have announced the 94 projects commissioned for the 2012/13 grants. Activity for these projects has started and will largely finish in March 2013.

Applications open for Round two funding

An open application process for the second stage of the Strategic support fund opened on 2 October 2012 for activity starting in April 2013. 

Applying for 2013/14 activity

Any Accredited museum based in England (except Major partner museums and National museums) with over 15,000 visitors per year will be able to apply. Any not for profit organisation can also apply for funding provided their project will benefit regional museums and their audiences.

Visit our How to apply page.

Expressions of Interest must be submitted no later than 10am on 30 October 2012. We will tell you no later than 31 March 2013 whether you have been successful and how much funding we are offering.

How much funding is available?

Museums and not for profit organisations will be able to apply for an amount between approximately £50,000 and £500,000 per year.

Applications for activity commencing in April 2014 will open in September 2013. Up to £13.5 million will be available in both of these years.

Template letter of support

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Further information

The fund will cover areas of work set out in our information document and will support innovation, develop resilience and sustainability, and encourage collaboration within the museums sector in England

Read our Strategic support fund information document.

Find out more about the other strands of Renaissance.

Find out more about how we support museums.