A high volume of applications to the second round of funding for the Esmée Fairbairn Collections Fund (EFCF) has prompted the Museums Association (MA), which manages the scheme, to change the process.
In 2011, the MA awarded grants to six projects (totalling £372,764) from 118 applications. But from 2012, there will be a two-stage application process for the third round.
The first stage will be open to all eligible organisations, with museums asked to provide a brief application. The MA will continue to provide advice on initial project ideas, but will not give detailed feedback at this stage.
After receipt of stage one applications, the MA will invite about 15 to move on to the second level. Those chosen will be asked to complete a full application for consideration by the selection committee and MA staff will be on hand with more detailed advice.
“The new process aims to prevent museums spending time producing detailed applications, when only 5% of applications are successful,” said Sally Colvin, the MA’s collections coordinator.
The closing date for round three initial applications is 5 April. The selection committee will meet in June. Meanwhile, recipients of second round funding awards included Abingdon County Hall Museum, which received £23,346 to conserve and develop the interpretation of a 16th-century Thames map.
Other award winners included the National Media Museum in Bradford (£78,800) and Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council Arts and Museums Service (£62,400).
In 2011, the MA awarded grants to six projects (totalling £372,764) from 118 applications. But from 2012, there will be a two-stage application process for the third round.
The first stage will be open to all eligible organisations, with museums asked to provide a brief application. The MA will continue to provide advice on initial project ideas, but will not give detailed feedback at this stage.
After receipt of stage one applications, the MA will invite about 15 to move on to the second level. Those chosen will be asked to complete a full application for consideration by the selection committee and MA staff will be on hand with more detailed advice.
“The new process aims to prevent museums spending time producing detailed applications, when only 5% of applications are successful,” said Sally Colvin, the MA’s collections coordinator.
The closing date for round three initial applications is 5 April. The selection committee will meet in June. Meanwhile, recipients of second round funding awards included Abingdon County Hall Museum, which received £23,346 to conserve and develop the interpretation of a 16th-century Thames map.
Other award winners included the National Media Museum in Bradford (£78,800) and Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council Arts and Museums Service (£62,400).