The Museums in Somerset Group received Small Grant: Big Improvement funding from South West Museum Development in Spring 2020. With the aim to enhance the 16 volunteer run museums’ online presence and work with the third party Destination Management Organisation, Visit Somerset. The funding was to trial the paid membership for a year to raise the profile of these community museums on the Visit Somerset website.

Rachel Bellamy, Museum Development Officer for Somerset, led on the bid writing, project management and partner liaison, leveraging in additional financial contribution from South West Heritage Trust.

Rachel Cartwright, Digital Engagement Officer, supported Rachel Bellamy with project conception, adaption of delivery during the pandemic, and delivered bespoke support and training online for participating museums.

This case study provides further information about the funding process, managing the project and the lessons learned along the way.

Download the Somerset Museums case study.

Note: the funding application was submitted pre-pandemic and the award was granted in May 2020 – the project delivery was adapted throughout this changing environment.