Annual Grants Scheme

Applications are being invited for the next round of the Research-Development Grant (max. €1,000/£850), operated by the Irish Museums Trust in partnership with the Irish Museums Association. Window for applications: Wednesday 01 – Friday 31 May 2024.

Offering grants up to a maximum of €1,000/£850 each, awarded twice a year to a total of €5,000, this small grant scheme is aimed at those working in the museum sector in Ireland and students at research masters or Doctoral level, involved in researching a subject relevant to the understanding, management or development of museums across the island.

Another objective of the scheme is to enhance networking and peer-to-peer exchanges of knowledge and mutual support, nationally or internationally, among those working in Irish museums.

What do you need to know before applying?

For the purpose of this scheme, the current ICOM museum definition applies.
These awards are intended to help individual researchers and museum staff to achieve personal development goals related to current research projects or to developing the skills or experience conducive to enhanced curatorial or museum management practices. Awards will be paid directly to successful applicants.
As one of the main purposes of the awards is to support the continuous, life-long development of museum staff, there is no age limit.
Applications must indicate how the award will contribute to the applicant’s capacity to make an enhanced contribution to the Irish museum sector. In the case of academic applicants, they must demonstrate (a) the direct relevance of their work to Irish museums and (b) how the grant will practically assist with the research in hand.
IMA membership may constitute a preferential factor in adjudicating applications.
Application forms must be endorsed by the director, CEO or Chair of a recognised museum. Applicants may not self-nominate. Academic applicants will need the endorsement of their designated academic supervisor.
Applications will be judged on the basis of the information contained in the application form, though we may contact applicants in relation to information provided for clarification.
The adjudicating committee will exercise its discretion in deciding whether the full amount of the award or a lesser amount is appropriate in each instance. To facilitate this evaluation, a full breakdown of costs should be provided.
Applicants are expected to make realistic and proportionate applications (for example, where €500 is sufficient to cover the costs of a proposed project, this should be clearly stated).
On conclusion of the project, successful applicants will be required to produce a short open access report on its outcomes or findings.