Helping organisations
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Join AIM
AIM represents, connects and strengthens the UK’s independent museums and heritage organisations. Join us and you will be part of a supportive and engaged community of over 1000 organisations from across the UK. The voice of the independent sector, AIM will make sure you are heard. All heritage organisations are welcome – you don’t have to be an independent museum to join AIM!
As well as grants, key resources and collective procurement power, we deliver a programme of expertise and practical guidance relevant from your board to your front desk. Our focus on pragmatism and success inspires innovation, enabling you to build resilience, network and plan effectively in these challenging times.
We are an open, respectful, supportive and welcoming community whose members are expected to uphold the behaviours and good practice highlighted in the AIM Hallmarks of Prospering Museums>> and our commitment to delivering public benefit.
There has never been a better time to join AIM>>.
Stronger together
As an AIM member, you’ll be part of a network of over 1000 organisations that includes some of the smallest to the largest museums in the UK. We have been championing independent museums, galleries and heritage organisations since 1977. Join AIM!>>
Representing your needs
Authoritative and respected, we help inform government and sector decisions. Our advocacy work ensures the voice of the independents is heard, and has proved crucial during challenging times. Join AIM!>>
Exclusively for you
Member exclusive benefits including: grant schemes; consultancies; webinars and workshops; advice lines on business rates, Museums and Galleries Exhibition Tax Relief, HR advice and retention and recruitment. Save on your energy bills through the Energy Action Group . Enjoy free Trustee vacancy advertising and discounts on AIM’s national conference and advertising.
Supporting you
Access relevant and expert advice through our extensive online resources – from setting up a museum, to running a café, securing tax reliefs or appealing business rates decisions. Our friendly, expert staff team is also on hand to help with queries and questions. Join AIM!>>
Benefitting you
Enjoy affiliate membership of the Charity Finance Group at no extra cost – access regular finance updates, special interest groups on museum finance, and helplines on accounting and tax, legal advice, property, pensions and managing financial difficulties. Join AIM!>>
Keeping you in touch
Our bi-monthly Bulletin, regular eNews and social media channels share the latest in sector advice and innovations relevant to you, your organisation and your career. We regularly commission good practice guidance and resources to keep you up-to-speed on key topics. Join AIM!>>
For suppliers and consultants
From advertising opportunities to networking, sponsorship and showcasing, join AIM to reach museums, raise the profile of your business and align your company with a trusted and established organisation. Find out more here or Join AIM>>.
Membership rates 2023:
| Small museums (up to 20,000 visitors) and additional sites of multi-site organisations | £68 |
| Medium museums (20,000 – 50-000 visitors) | £110 |
| Large museums (50,000 – 100,000 visitors) | £172 |
| Largest museums (over 100,000 visitors) | £430 |
| Individual / MDO / freelance / support organisations (1 or no paid staff) | £75 |
| Non-profit support organisations / libraries / archives (2+ paid staff) | £145 |
| Associate Suppliers | £360 |
What our members say
“The networking and shared learning is invaluable – AIM tackles the issues and comes up with pragmatic solutions. The advocacy that AIM does in the wider sector to ensure that the voice of independent museums is heard, has great value for all of us.”
Helen Bonser-Wilton, Chief Executive, Mary Rose Trust
“AIM is the ultimate professional ‘one stop’ support for all independent museums.”
Sue Barnes, The Bugatti Trust
“Our membership broadens our access to sector best practice, to funding opportunities, and helps with our training needs and recruitment.”
Peter Turvey, Trustee & Chair, Crofton Branch, Kennet & Avon Canal Trust
“AIM gives us access to a wider support network and family! We can go to AIM for advice on a range of topics and take advantage of grant opportunities and workshops that would otherwise not be open to us. For us, being a member of AIM has more than benefited our organisation – it has helped improve it!”
Sarah Hayes, Coffin Works & Museum Manager
“AIM works hard to support museums through its free success guides, access to funding opportunities and provision of training and advocacy on behalf of our sector. No two museums are exactly alike, but AIM helps us find our common ground.”
Steve Gardam, Director, Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre