NIMC Launches Two Funding Programmes Supporting Museum Collections, Access and Innovation
September 24, 2026NIMC Launches Two Funding Programmes Supporting Museum Collections, Access and Innovation.
NI Museums Council (NIMC) is pleased to announce the launch of two grant programmes for 2026-27 totalling £265,000; providing significant investment opportunities for accredited museums across Northern Ireland.
Applications are now open for the Local Museums Small Capital Grant Programme and the new Digital Technologies Grant Programme, offering support for projects that improve museum infrastructure, protect collections, enhance accessibility and develop innovative digital experiences for audiences.
The Local Museums Small Capital Grant Programme offers awards between £500 and £10,000 to support equipment purchases and minor capital works. The programme combines the priorities of NIMC’s previous Local Museums Small Capital Grants and Museums Collections Capital Grants into a single, flexible fund that will support collection care, public access, learning, sustainability and organisational resilience.
Alongside this, NIMC is launching the new Digital Technologies Grant Programme, supported by Future Screens NI. Grants of up to £10,000 are available to help museums improve digital access to collections, develop innovative interpretation and learning resources, pilot new technologies and increase engagement with audiences both online and onsite.
Heather McGuicken, Director of NI Museums Council, said:
“Museums continue to play an important role in preserving our shared heritage, supporting learning and engaging communities across Northern Ireland. These two funding programmes are designed to help museums invest in the facilities, equipment and technologies that will strengthen their services and increase access to collections for diverse audiences.
We are particularly pleased to launch the new Digital Technologies Grant Programme, which will support museums to explore innovative approaches to digital engagement and audience development.
We would like to thank the Department for Communities for its continued support of the Local Museums Small Capital Grant Programme and Future Screens NI for its support in making the new Digital Technologies Grant Programme possible.”
The deadline for applications to both programmes is 12pm on Friday 30 October 2026.
Eligible museums are encouraged to discuss proposals with NIMC staff before submitting an application.
Further information, guidance notes and application forms are available on the NIMC website here.