AIM is a national charity that connects, supports and represents the UK’s independent museums, galleries and heritage sites. Any heritage organisation interested in building a prosperous future is welcome – you don’t have to be independent or a museum to join us! We offer support through a range of services, including:
We have been championing independent museums, galleries and heritage organisations since 1977 and represent over 1000 organisations, Governments and national bodies regularly consult us on museums, heritage and tourism matters and we commission our own research too. By providing the independents’ viewpoint we ensure our membership has a voice at a national level.
Visit our Resources page to download the latest reports>>
AIM’s grant programmes provide practical support to member museums to help them thrive and prosper. With the support of our funding partners we can provide funding to help with conservation, exhibitions, training and putting the AIM Hallmarks into practice.
View all current grant programmes>>
Through our AIM Higher consultancies, we offer member museums practical, hands-on support to help your board develop and your museum thrive. Whether its support with governance or managing hard decisions about your future, our roster of experienced consultants familiar with the independent sector are happy to help.
Read more on the consultancies>>
We run a range of events for members including our Hallmarks at Home webinar series, in-person workshops, residentials and annual conference. Many of these events are free, those that are paid are discounted for AIM members.
Access AIM’s comprehensive library of resources. You’ll find the latest research and insights, and our popular Success Guides on good practice, everything from improving your marketing, to running your café.
AIM members get free membership to the Charity Finance Group. CFG help their members understand what’s happening in the world of charity finance, so you can better support your organisation and its experience for your visitors and supporters.
Find out more about the benefits of CFG membership>>
If you are an AIM member and you need support with a specific topic or some advice, we are always happy to help!
AIM members benefit from early-bird offers and discounts for our popular national conference and trade show, a great place to learn about new developments and network with colleagues.
Members can also apply for a Training Grant of up to 300 pounds to attend.
Find out more on our latest conference>>
AIM members are priority mailed our popular bi-monthly AIM Bulletin, together with our regular e-news mailings, this enables you to keep right up to date with museum and heritage news.
AIM supplier members regularly offer our members discounts on their services and products. You can access our supplier directory to find businesses to help them with a variety of needs.
Visit the AIM Suppliers Directory>>.
Working in partnership with Touchstone Services, the AIM Energy Action Group provides a way for member museums and heritage attractions of all sizes to review their energy bills and work with an energy management company to gain competitive quotes via a bulk energy buying basket.
Read more on the AIM Energy Action Group>>
AIM members can contact Colin Hunter, Lambert Smith Hampton, for up to date advice on business rates, Colin has been working with AIM and our members for many years and has offered to give any AIM member who contacts him 15 minutes consultation, at no fee with no strings attached. Call 0113 245 8454 or email chunter@lsh.co.uk for advice.
Read our Success Guide on Business Rates>>
Run in partnership with Azets, all UK AIM members can claim a free 15-minute telephone call with one of the team at Azets on any issues covering Museums and Galleries Exhibitions Tax Relief. Museums and Galleries Exhibition Tax Relief has been designed to support organisations to create permanent or temporary (touring and non-touring) public facing exhibitions by helping them to recover some of their production costs.
Read more on the advice line>>
AIM members can access free HR advice and support from The HR Dept. The HR Dept’s highly qualified and knowledgeable experts have a deep understanding of employment law. Whether you need HR support with employment contracts, managing disciplinaries or anything else on your journey as an employer, they can help.
AIM members can advertise their trustee vacancies for free via the AIM website and social channels and get discounted prices on their non-trustee vacancies.
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How can the AIM Hallmarks of Prospering Museums help AIM member museums to prosper and thrive?
