Grants up to £20,000 for museums in the United Kingdom to purchase items of aesthetic value which meet the organisation's acquisition aims and objectives. Museums must be Institutional Members of the Museums Association.
The Beecroft Bequest provides grant funding for the purchase of an item which must not be later in date than 1800 AD and is of fine or decorative arts, such as paintings, watercolours, sculpture, ceramics, metalwork, furniture and textiles.
Other items of aesthetic merit, such as coins, may be eligible but the case for their aesthetic merit must be made in the application.
The object must be genuine and of good quality, represent good value for money and cost at least £500.
There must be a sound reason for the purchase, and applicants must demonstrate how it meets the organisation's acquisition policy/aims and objectives.
Preference will be given to organisations with an annual revenue expenditure not exceeding £1 million. In the case of branch museums, the revenue budget of the parent organisation applies.
Museums that meet the following criteria may apply for a grant of up to £10,000:
- Be institutional members of the Museum Association (MA) and based in the UK
- Be accredited/registered under the Museum and Library Association (MLA) scheme or have applied for accreditation
Applicants are expected to contribute a minimum match funding contribution of 5%.
In the case of auction sales, at least five working days are required, although the trustees cannot guarantee to consider any application made at short notice.