Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND)

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), Arts Council England, Historic England, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund have set the Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND) criteria.

The grants are administered, awarded and monitored by Arts Council England.

Funding is provided by DCMS.

What is available?

Capital expenditure to support non-national Accredited museums in England to undertake vital infrastructure and urgent maintenance backlog work to their buildings.

They define capital expenditure as an amount spent on improving fixed assets that will be capitalised on your balance sheet.

Between £50,000 (minimum) and £5 million (maximum). 

Grants near the maximum value are likely to be made only by exception.

Who can apply?

Non-national Accredited museums based in England, and/or Local Authorities based in England responsible for maintaining non-national Accredited museum buildings.

Lead applicants must be registered with Companies House and/or with the Charity Commission or similar regulatory authority.

How to apply

Registration for this fund will open on Grantium at 9 am on 12 May 2025.

• Expression of Interests (EOI) open on Grantium at 9 am on 12 May 2025 and close at noon (midday) on 5 June 2025
• The Full Application opens on Grantium at 9 am on 14 July 2025 and closes at noon (midday) on 02 October 2025

Find out more and apply here: Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND): Round 5 – Guidance for Applicants | Arts Council England